an ambitious plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ambitious plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a plan that is bold, challenging, or has high aspirations. Example: "The team presented an ambitious plan to expand the business into international markets within the next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On Friday, officials announced an ambitious plan to overhaul it.

The New York Times

Eeva Haaramo: Helsinki has an ambitious plan for its future.

The Guardian - Tech

But Newark had an ambitious plan for Part Two.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, the developers moved forward with an ambitious plan.

The New York Times

It was an ambitious plan and, many locals believed, a necessary one.

The New York Times - Magazine

That, at least, is the reasonable bet behind an ambitious plan.

The Economist

Aleksandar Vucic, who will be prime minister, set out an ambitious plan of economic liberalisation.

The Economist

Doha has an ambitious plan of opening close to 20 museums of different kinds".

The New York Times - Arts

He emerged with an ambitious plan for a musical-cultural-political overview of Brazilian life.

The New Yorker

Both have endorsed an ambitious plan by the University of Texas System's chancellor, Francisco G.

The New York Times

So he produced an ambitious plan to cut taxes by $1.6 trillion.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an ambitious plan", ensure that the scope and scale of the plan are genuinely significant, as the adjective 'ambitious' implies a high level of aspiration and potential challenge. If the plan is relatively simple or straightforward, consider using a less emphatic term.

Common error

Avoid using "an ambitious plan" to describe initiatives that are routine or lack significant scope. Overstating the ambition can undermine credibility if the plan's actual scale doesn't align with the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ambitious plan" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific course of action or strategy characterized by a high degree of aspiration and intended to achieve significant outcomes. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an ambitious plan" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources. It serves to describe a strategy or project characterized by high aspirations and significant potential impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While alternatives like "a bold strategy" or "a daring proposal" exist, they carry slightly different nuances. When using "an ambitious plan", ensure the scale of the initiative justifies the descriptor, avoiding overstatement. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources highlight its reliability and widespread acceptance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bold strategy

Focuses on the strategic nature, implying risk and courage rather than just ambition.

a daring proposal

Highlights the innovative and potentially risky aspect of the plan.

a grand design

Emphasizes the scale and complexity of the plan.

a sweeping initiative

Suggests a broad and comprehensive approach.

a strategic roadmap

Highlights planning and a clear path, useful for structured projects.

a comprehensive scheme

Focuses on the detailed and all-encompassing nature of the plan.

an extensive project

Emphasizes the scale of the work involved.

a far-reaching vision

Stresses the impact and scope of the plan's objectives.

a challenging endeavor

Highlights the difficulties and effort required.

a transformative agenda

Focuses on the plan's potential to cause significant change.

FAQs

How can I use "an ambitious plan" in a sentence?

You can use "an ambitious plan" to describe any project, strategy, or proposal that aims to achieve significant goals or improvements. For example, "The company unveiled "an ambitious plan" to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030".

What are some alternatives to saying "an ambitious plan"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a bold strategy", "a daring proposal", or "a sweeping initiative" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to describe something as "an ambitious plan"?

It's appropriate when the plan involves significant challenges, requires substantial resources, and aims for a transformative outcome. Ensure the scale of the plan warrants the use of the adjective "ambitious".

Is there a difference between "an ambitious plan" and "an elaborate plan"?

Yes, "an ambitious plan" emphasizes the scope and goals of the plan, suggesting it is aiming for significant achievements. "An elaborate plan", on the other hand, focuses on the complexity and detail of the plan, implying it is intricate and carefully designed. The two terms are not interchangeable, though a plan can be both ambitious and elaborate.