concocted a plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "concocted a plan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of devising or creating a plan, often with a connotation of creativity or cunning. Example: "After hours of brainstorming, they finally concocted a plan to improve their marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Summer, however, has concocted a plan to circumvent this problem.

The New York Times

I deposited my bags and concocted a plan.

The New York Times

Chicago have concocted a plan to break their time-tested mold and are making steady progress.

The Guardian - Sport

He is reminded by another resident that the two of them have concocted a plan.

The Guardian - Film

Her first fixation was on overdosing on her medication, so I concocted a plan to hide the pills.

The Guardian - Opinion

We concocted a plan that four years later I would enroll in his college at the University of Cambridge, which I did.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

She sniffs the hat for days, soon concocting a plan to return it to him.

The New Yorker

So the two fathers concoct a plan to hire someone to portray a savage and let Kitty capture him.

The New York Times - Arts

He concocts a plan to steal every last present, which for Whoville is an act akin to nuclear annihilation.

The New York Times

Who ever thought you'd have to concoct a plan to beat Trent Dilfer in a must game?

The New York Times - Sports

If you were to concoct a plan for entertainment-industry success in the digital age, Condry notes, it would probably not involve the painstaking development of hand-drawn cartoons.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing. While "concocted a plan" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes imply a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the plan is overly elaborate or potentially ill-advised. Choose it when this nuance is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "concocted a plan" in highly formal or professional settings where a more neutral term like "developed a strategy" or "formulated a plan" would be more appropriate. The word "concocted" can sound too informal or even slightly suspicious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concocted a plan" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of creating or devising a plan. It is used to describe someone's deliberate effort to formulate a course of action. Ludwig provides examples from various contexts where this phrase is used to denote intentional planning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "concocted a plan" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe the act of devising a plan, often with the implication of creativity or ingenuity. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most frequently found in news and media, and encyclopedia contexts, as well as wiki contexts, lending itself to more neutral and descriptive writing. While generally acceptable, consider the potential for a slightly negative connotation in formal or professional settings, and remember that more neutral alternatives like "developed a strategy" or "formulated a plan" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devised a scheme

Emphasizes the detailed and often strategic nature of the plan, suggesting careful thought and intention.

formulated a strategy

Highlights the strategic element of planning, often used in business or military contexts.

hatched a plot

Suggests secrecy and potentially mischievous intent, implying a covert plan.

developed a proposal

Focuses on presenting a structured plan, often for consideration or approval.

contrived a method

Implies ingenuity and resourcefulness in creating a plan, often to overcome challenges.

arranged a setup

Indicates a pre-planned sequence of events, often for a specific purpose or outcome.

improvised a solution

Suggests a plan created spontaneously in response to an immediate need or situation.

drafted an outline

Focuses on the initial stage of planning, emphasizing the creation of a framework.

framed an agenda

Highlights the setting of goals and priorities, often in a meeting or formal setting.

conceived a blueprint

Emphasizes the detailed and comprehensive nature of the plan, akin to an architectural design.

FAQs

What does "concocted a plan" mean?

The phrase "concocted a plan" means to create or devise a plan, often with an element of inventiveness or ingenuity. It suggests the plan might be somewhat elaborate or unusual.

What's a synonym for "concocted a plan"?

Synonyms for "concocted a plan" include "devised a scheme", "formulated a strategy", or "hatched a plot", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "concocted a plan" formal or informal?

"Concocted a plan" is generally considered less formal and more descriptive. For more formal situations, consider using "developed a strategy" or "formulated a plan".

Can "concocted a plan" have a negative connotation?

Yes, "concocted a plan" can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the plan is overly elaborate, potentially ill-advised, or even slightly deceptive. The intent and context are essential in determining if it has a negative meaning.