conceiving a plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conceiving a plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of developing or formulating a strategy or idea. Example: "After several brainstorming sessions, the team is finally conceiving a plan to improve our marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian - Film

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

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

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

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

Over many days and many pots of coffee in our shabby reception area, the three of us conceived a plan to offer street people a way out of addiction.

The New York Times

Sometime in the eighteen-forties, he had conceived a plan to create an army of emancipation in the South, which would hide in the mountains and grow by leaps and defections until the institution of slavery ultimately collapsed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conceiving a plan" to introduce a novel or complex strategy, emphasizing the intellectual effort involved in its creation.

Common error

Avoid using "conceiving a plan" for very basic or obvious actions. Opt for simpler terms like "making a plan" or "deciding on a course of action" to maintain clarity and avoid sounding overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "conceiving a plan" is that of a verb phrase acting as a predicate. It describes the action of creating or formulating a strategy. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase frequently appears in various contexts to illustrate the development of strategic initiatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conceiving a plan" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for describing the creation or formulation of a strategy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, from news reports to encyclopedic entries. The phrase is considered relatively formal, suitable for describing deliberate and thoughtful planning processes. Alternative phrases such as "formulating a strategy" or "devising a scheme" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When employing this phrase, it is advisable to ensure the context aligns with its level of formality, and that the plan being described is not overly simplistic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulating a strategy

Focuses on the detailed development of a strategy.

devising a scheme

Implies a clever or secret plan, often with a hint of cunning.

developing a project

Refers to the process of creating and expanding a specific undertaking.

crafting a blueprint

Emphasizes the careful and detailed design of a plan.

outlining a proposal

Highlights the initial stage of creating a structured suggestion.

establishing a roadmap

Suggests a strategic plan with clear steps and goals.

laying out a course of action

Describes defining a specific sequence of steps to achieve an objective.

arranging a program

Suggests a structured and organized sequence of activities or events.

inventing a method

Highlights the creation of a new or innovative approach.

thinking up an idea

Focuses on the generation of a novel concept or thought.

FAQs

What does "conceiving a plan" mean?

"Conceiving a plan" means to develop or create a strategy or idea. It suggests a thoughtful process of forming a plan of action.

What can I say instead of "conceiving a plan"?

You can use alternatives like "formulating a strategy", "devising a scheme", or "developing a project" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "conceiving a plan"?

Use "conceiving a plan" when describing the development of a detailed or complex strategy. It is suitable when highlighting the intellectual effort involved in creating the plan.

How formal is the phrase "conceiving a plan"?

The phrase "conceiving a plan" is relatively formal. Simpler alternatives like "making a plan" may be more appropriate in informal contexts.