below our plan

USAGE SUMMARY

"below our plan" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about a course of action that you and somebody else have devised together. For example: "We need to stick to the plan we agreed on, and anything else we do should be done in accordance with our plan or below our plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Unfortunately, the number of participants enrolled was much below our plan since we are caring for much debilitated patients referred from other centers around that require intensive monitoring and our restricted inclusion criteria.

Annals of Intensive Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A pound of beans will give you twice enough for the recipe below, so plan on a bean dish once more this week.

The New York Times - Food

In conclusion, as shown in the highlights chart below, this plan projects promising net profits over the next three years.

Bplans

In conclusion, as shown in the highlights chart below, this plan projects rapid growth and high net profits over the next three years.

Bplans

Second, whilst like for like sales via the group's own stores were positive up to Easter, Easter trading itself was "below plan ".

The Guardian - Business

"August is a key month for the third quarter, but it has started slowly and below plan," Donald McKay, Penney's chief financial officer, told analysts on a conference call.

The New York Times

Result: By last summer O.tel.o's calling volume was far below plan.

Forbes

Below is the plan if anyone gets a press call.

Forbes

Advanced Micro Devices ' second-quarter sales are tracking below plan as Intel grows more aggressive on pricing, according to recent checks by Banc of America Securities.

Forbes

Target, the No. 3 U.S. discount chain, said sales at its stores open at least a year fell below plan again last week, hurt by continued weak purchases of men's items and jewelry and accessories.

Forbes

In some instances I offer, in the below, Plan Bs in case performances fall short of expectations, or just in case things actually do go astray.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "below our plan" when you want to emphasize a shortfall against a formal or documented plan, rather than a general expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "below our plan" when you simply mean something didn't meet your hopes. This phrase is more appropriate when referring to a specific, documented plan. Use "short of expectations" instead for general situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "below our plan" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating a state that is less than what was projected. As exemplified by Ludwig, it describes results or performances that haven't met the standards defined in a preexisting plan.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "below our plan" is a grammatically correct way to express that something has not met expectations based on a previously set plan. While Ludwig identifies it as a correct and usable phrase, its frequency is rare. This phrase is versatile enough for use across news, science, and business contexts. When writing, remember that it's best used when referencing a specific, documented plan. Alternatives like "under our target" or "short of expectations" may suit different contexts depending on whether you want to emphasize a target or general expectation. All things considered, be clear about the context of your plan when deploying this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under our target

Replaces "plan" with "target", focusing on a specific numerical goal.

short of our expectations

Emphasizes a shortfall in anticipated outcomes rather than a specific plan.

behind schedule

Focuses specifically on a delay in timing relative to the planned timeline.

off track

Implies a deviation from the intended path or direction outlined in the plan.

not up to par

Suggests the performance or results did not meet the required standard or plan.

less than projected

Highlights that the actual results were lower than what was initially predicted or planned.

underperforming

Focuses on the idea that something is not working as efficiently as it should according to the plan.

below the benchmark

Indicates that the performance failed to reach the set standard established by the plan.

falling short

Conveys the idea of not achieving the desired outcome or goal set by the plan.

deviating from our strategy

Emphasizes a shift away from the intended strategic course that was initially planned.

FAQs

How can I use "below our plan" in a sentence?

You can use "below our plan" to indicate that something is not performing as expected compared to a previously established plan. For instance: "Sales figures for this quarter are significantly below our plan, requiring immediate action."

What's the difference between "below our plan" and "behind schedule"?

"Below our plan" typically refers to missing a target, while "behind schedule" specifically indicates a delay in a timeline. "Below our plan" is a broader term encompassing more than just timing.

What can I say instead of "below our plan"?

Alternatives include "under our target", "short of expectations", or "not up to par" depending on the specific context you're describing.

Is it appropriate to use "below our plan" in formal communication?

Yes, "below our plan" is suitable for formal and business communication, particularly in reports and presentations. It provides a clear and concise way to indicate a deviation from an established target.