certain plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain plan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific plan that is known or understood in a particular context. Example: "We have a certain plan in place to address the upcoming challenges in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

(e Special rules for certain plan years.

Cornell University

"He had a certain plan, we had a certain plan, and he stayed with it, we stayed with ours," Mariucci said.

The New York Times - Sports

Her only certain plan is to go on holiday with her husband.

The Guardian

Whether a certain plan is more generous than another may vary depending on a person's health.

Stanford University

They are implementing a certain plan against these small tribes," said Hussain Enoka, an ethnic Zande and commissioner of Yambio.

The Guardian

He also suggested reading the fine print, or at least going online to see if other consumers have had problems with a certain plan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"But no certain plans have been made yet".

The Guardian

I was doing certain planning and trying to keep the T.O.C. [tactical-operations center] going. . . .

The New Yorker

Many companies subsidize certain plans to encourage employees to choose them.

Harvard Business Review

In certain parts of the site, primarily on the north end, two levels of certain plans were prepared.

Cornell University

"We have already announced certain plans, so it seems to me that everyone should relax," Mr. Medvedev said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation of "certain" – it can imply a degree of secrecy or exclusivity. If you aim to be more transparent, a phrase like "specific plan" might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "certain plan" repeatedly in a text without providing details. Overuse can make your writing vague and less informative for the reader. Vary your language using alternatives such as "detailed strategy" or "specific course of action".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain plan" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "certain" modifies the noun "plan". It specifies a particular plan that exists, is known, or is being referred to in a context. Ludwig confirms its acceptability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

31%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain plan" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that specifies a particular strategy or arrangement. As Ludwig confirms, it is acceptable across diverse contexts but is most frequently found in news and media sources. When using "certain plan", ensure the context provides enough information to clarify the plan being referenced, and consider whether alternatives like "specific plan" or "particular plan" might provide greater clarity. Avoid overuse without context to maintain clear and informative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific plan

Replaces "certain" with "specific", emphasizing a clearly defined plan.

particular plan

Uses "particular" instead of "certain", highlighting a plan chosen for a specific reason.

definite plan

Emphasizes that the plan is well-defined and unlikely to change.

predetermined plan

Suggests the plan was decided in advance and is not flexible.

established plan

Highlights that the plan has already been created or agreed upon.

fixed plan

Emphasizes the rigid nature of the plan.

concrete plan

Highlights the tangible and realistic aspects of the plan.

detailed plan

Focuses on the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of the plan.

well-defined plan

Highlights the clarity and structure of the plan.

precise plan

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the plan.

FAQs

How can I use "certain plan" in a sentence?

You can use "certain plan" when referring to a specific strategy or arrangement that is known or understood within a particular context. For example, "The company has a "certain plan" to increase its market share next quarter."

What can I say instead of "certain plan"?

You can use alternatives like "specific plan", "particular plan", or "predetermined plan" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "certain plan" or "specific plan"?

Both "certain plan" and "specific plan" are correct. "Specific plan" emphasizes clarity and detail, while "certain plan" implies that the plan is known but might not be fully disclosed.

What does "certain" imply when used in "certain plan"?

The word "certain" suggests that the plan is definite or sure to happen, but it might also imply that the details are not widely known or shared. It indicates a level of assurance and perhaps exclusivity regarding the plan.