conceived a plan

USAGE SUMMARY

"conceived a plan" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when referring to the planning or creation of a strategy or some other type of plan. For example, "The CEO conceived a plan to increase profits by 30% by the end of the fiscal year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Sabeti and her team conceived a plan to obtain samples of blood from people infected with Ebola.

The New Yorker

In 1894 he conceived a plan to publish a book of his impressions of Tahiti, illustrated with his own woodcuts, titled Noa Noa.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It did not just buy in millions of mosquito nets and drugs; it conceived a plan to solve its own particular problem.

The Guardian

County officials, sensing the area's development potential because of its proximity to the turnpike, conceived a plan for an industrial park.

The New York Times

But the prisoners conceived a plan which saw them carry a vaulting horse, made largely from wood from Canadian Red Cross parcels, to the same spot each morning.

The Guardian

Although he knew no Greek, he conceived a plan of making accessible to the Latin West the complete works of Aristotle by way of commentaries and paraphrases; and, unlike Boethius, he did carry out this resolve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Together, they conceive a plan to flush out a Western-educated al-Qaeda boss by creating a fictitious rival group.

The Guardian - Film

When the family cook dies, she conceives a plan to smuggle her boyfriend into the house by passing him off as a maid.

The New York Times - Arts

When Kailey conceives a plan to pluck Gulley out of school and flee with him across the Canadian border, he eagerly agrees to it.

The New York Times

Hoping to ensure Miranda's future and end his exile, Prospero conceives a plan to have Ariel create a storm that will wash ashore a passing ship bearing Prince Ferdinand, whom Prospero hopes to match with Miranda.

The New York Times - Arts

It is while he is shopping in a local "House of Crap" that he spots a plastic statue so shockingly obscene that he conceives a plan - as you do - to steal his mother's debit card and travel to the object's place of origin in China to discover... whatever (as Felix would say).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conceived a plan" to clearly indicate the beginning stages of forming a strategy or idea, especially when the conception process is relevant to the narrative or context.

Common error

Avoid using "conceived a plan" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "came up with a plan" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conceived a plan" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence. It typically introduces the beginning of a strategic or imaginative process. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

22%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conceived a plan" is a commonly used phrase that describes the initial development of a strategy or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. While it's suitable for various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and wikis, it should be used cautiously in informal settings where simpler alternatives may be preferred. The phrase is most often found in News & Media, according to the provided data.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulated a strategy

Replaces "conceived a plan" with synonyms, focusing on the structured aspect of planning.

developed a scheme

Substitutes with a term that suggests a detailed and sometimes intricate plan.

devised a strategy

Similar to "formulated a strategy" but emphasizes ingenuity in the planning process.

came up with a plan

More informal alternative, indicating the origin of a plan.

drafted a blueprint

Implies creating a detailed outline or initial version of a plan.

outlined an approach

Focuses on the initial structuring of a method or plan.

originated a design

Suggests creating a plan, often with a creative or inventive element.

brainstormed an idea

Highlights the collaborative or creative generation of a plan's core concept.

cooked up a scheme

An informal alternative, often implying secrecy or cleverness.

hatched a plot

Suggests a covert or secretive plan, usually for a specific purpose.

FAQs

What does "conceived a plan" mean?

It means to create or develop a plan, typically through careful thought or imagination. It suggests the initial stage of forming a strategy or idea.

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

You can use it to describe the act of developing a plan. For instance, "The team "formulated a strategy" to address the market challenges" or "She "devised a strategy" to improve customer satisfaction".

What are some alternatives to "conceived a plan"?

Alternatives include "came up with a plan", "developed a scheme", or "formulated a strategy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "conceived of a plan" grammatically correct instead of "conceived a plan"?

While "conceived of a plan" is also grammatically correct, "conceived a plan" is more direct and often preferred. Both are acceptable, but the shorter version tends to be more common in modern usage. Several examples in Ludwig use "conceived of a plan".