existing plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existing plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referencing or discussing a plan in progress or one that has previously been set. For example: "We will use the existing plan as the basis for the new project we are working on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

City and state officials support the existing plan.

The New York Times

Mr. Schick said the existing plan would be revisited.

The New York Times

The question is, what constitutes an existing plan?

The New York Times - Health

The existing plan for combating HIV centres on saving the lives of those already infected.

The Economist

Scrapping an existing plan only to pay more for one with a higher deductible was hardly an attractive option.

The New York Times

The existing plan has a two-tiered payout that benefits clubs below the industry's average local revenue.

The New York Times - Sports

In a nutshell, all European leaders have agreed so far tonight is to make a tiny (backwards) change to the existing plan on banking supervision.

The Guardian - Business

The buyback is in addition to an existing plan that Wells Fargo began in February to buy back 25 million shares.

The New York Times

"We will understand President Bush to mean, when he says 'contributions,'additionalal details to be added,' " rather than changes to the existing plan, this diplomat said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And they all run home.All this is done without any pre-existing plan or central co-ordination.

The Economist

Mr. Lipson's defense was that there was a pre-existing plan to sell the shares, said his lawyer, Dean Dickie of D'Ancona & Pflaum.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "existing plan" to refer to a previously established strategy or framework, differentiating it from hypothetical or future plans.

Common error

Avoid using "existing plan" when referring to projects or strategies that are still in the planning phase. Use terms like "proposed plan" or "future initiative" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existing plan" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a specific, pre-established strategy or arrangement, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "existing plan" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a current, established strategy or arrangement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and applicable across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using "existing plan", ensure you are clearly differentiating it from proposed or future initiatives. Consider alternatives like "current strategy" or "established program" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate the phrase "existing plan" into your writing to enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current strategy

Focuses on the strategic aspect of the plan, emphasizing its ongoing nature.

established program

Highlights the program's formal and already implemented status.

present arrangement

Emphasizes the structured and organized nature of the existing setup.

in-place system

Highlights that the system is currently active and functioning.

operative scheme

Stresses that the plan is in effect and being actively used.

ongoing project

Highlights the continuous nature of the plan as a work in progress.

running agenda

Emphasizes the active and progressing nature of the plan's items.

prevailing approach

Focuses on the current and accepted methodology being used.

standard procedure

Highlights the routine and established nature of the plan.

incumbent process

Emphasizes that the process is currently in effect and part of the present duties.

FAQs

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

You can use "existing plan" to refer to a current strategy, such as, "The new budget will be allocated according to the "existing plan".".

What's a good alternative to "existing plan"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "current strategy", "established program", or "present arrangement".

Is it correct to say "pre-existing plan" instead of "existing plan"?

While "pre-existing plan" can be used, it often implies a plan that was in place before a specific event or condition. "Existing plan" is generally sufficient to refer to a plan that is currently in effect.

How does "existing plan" differ from "proposed plan"?

"Existing plan" refers to a strategy that is already implemented, while "proposed plan" refers to a strategy that is being considered but has not yet been put into action.