an elaborate plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an elaborate plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a plan that is detailed, complex, or carefully thought out. Example: "The team presented an elaborate plan to improve the company's marketing strategy, outlining every step and potential outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Their journey was without an elaborate plan.

The New York Times

Such an elaborate plan is normally not legally required before an initial zoning map is drawn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From the beginning, the Phemisters understood that flipping a castle would require an elaborate plan.

The New York Times

In all, it would be an elaborate plan with limited prospects of success.

The Guardian

Payton does have an elaborate plan for moving the football against the Ravens.

The New York Times - Sports

That association has created an elaborate plan to inspect factories around the world.

The New York Times

The treatise concludes with an elaborate plan for educating the citizens to attain the "mean," the "possible," and the "becoming".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fearless Leader concocts an elaborate plan to stupefy the American public by making television even dumber than it already is.

The New York Times

The Zimbabwe Election Support Network, an independent civic group, employed an elaborate plan to gather the posted returns.

The New York Times

The source said that there was an elaborate plan to deceive inspectors and ensure prohibited items would never be found.

The New York Times

In Ratio studiorum, an elaborate plan of studies issued by the Jesuits in 1599, there is laid out an organization of these institutions down to the smallest details.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a plan, use "an elaborate plan" to convey the complexity and detail involved. It suggests the plan has been carefully thought through and has many components. For instance, instead of saying 'They had a plan', you could say 'They had "an elaborate plan" to tackle the problem'.

Common error

Avoid using "an elaborate plan" if the plan is actually quite simple or straightforward. Using 'elaborate' when it doesn't fit the context can make your writing sound pretentious or misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an elaborate plan" functions as a noun phrase, where 'elaborate' modifies the noun 'plan'. It describes the nature of the plan, indicating its complexity and detail. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an elaborate plan" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a detailed and complex strategy. Ludwig AI examples show it frequently appears in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the intricate nature of the plan. When writing, it's important to use "an elaborate plan" appropriately, ensuring that the plan being described is genuinely detailed and complex, according to Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex strategy

Emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the plan.

a detailed scheme

Highlights the thoroughness and precision of the plan.

a sophisticated arrangement

Suggests a refined and well-thought-out plan, possibly involving intricate details.

an intricate design

Focuses on the complex and interconnected elements of the plan.

a well-developed project

Highlights the level of development and thought that has gone into the plan.

a comprehensive blueprint

Conveys the idea of a complete and detailed plan serving as a guide.

a painstaking procedure

Highlights the care and effort involved in creating and executing the plan.

a methodical approach

Emphasizes the systematic and organized nature of the plan.

a grand strategy

Suggests a plan that is ambitious and large in scope.

a careful formulation

Highlights the precision and deliberation involved in creating the plan.

FAQs

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

Use "an elaborate plan" to describe a strategy that is detailed and complex. For example, "The company devised "an elaborate plan" to expand its market share".

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

You can use alternatives such as "a complex strategy", "a detailed scheme", or "a sophisticated arrangement" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean for a plan to be described as "elaborate"?

When a plan is described as "elaborate", it suggests that it is not simple or basic, it involves many carefully considered details and complexities. It implies a significant amount of thought and preparation has gone into its creation.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "an elaborate plan"?

The phrase "an elaborate plan" is suitable in various contexts, including news reports, academic discussions, and business proposals, where detailed and complex strategies are being described. Its use is common in contexts where meticulous planning is emphasized.