formulating a plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formulating a plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of creating or developing a strategy or course of action. Example: "The team is currently focused on formulating a plan to improve our marketing strategy for the upcoming quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It involves sensing the world (knowing where you are, where you want to go and what obstacles lie in your path), formulating a plan (reasoning about how to move and navigate safely), and executing planned actions (taking steps to circumvent or traverse obstacles in order to safely reach the goal location).

Forbes

"We're formulating a plan".

The New York Times

Mr. Mineta said that he was still formulating a plan to match available resources.

The New York Times

"We are now formulating a plan for development of renewable energy.

The Guardian

The search algorithms for formulating a plan are not implemented -- that's your job.

University of California, Berkeley

"His mind is always going, he's formulating a plan, synthesizing all this information that he is hearing, seeing, studying from other people.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

So he formulated a plan.

The New York Times

It could never formulate a plan.

The New Yorker

I'll look at the videos tomorrow, formulate a plan.

The Guardian - Sport

Last fall, the three met for coffee and formulated a plan.

The New York Times

team, his older brothers began to formulate a plan for his future.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formulating a plan", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose and scope of the plan being developed. This will help avoid ambiguity and ensure your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when describing the act of "formulating a plan". Instead of saying "A plan was being formulated", opt for the active voice: "The team was formulating a plan". This makes your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formulating a plan" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the activity of creating or developing a strategy. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formulating a plan" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the process of creating a strategy. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academia and science, maintaining a neutral register. To enhance clarity, define the plan's purpose and scope, and favor active voice construction. This phrase is versatile and serves well in both formal and informal communications. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample real-world examples, solidifying its place in effective English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developing a strategy

Focuses more on the development aspect of a high-level plan.

designing a course of action

Implies a deliberate and structured approach to achieving a specific goal.

creating a blueprint

Implies a detailed and structured plan, often with visual elements.

establishing a roadmap

Suggests a plan with clear milestones and a defined path forward.

laying out a strategy

Focuses on presenting or detailing an already developed plan.

devising a scheme

Can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a cunning or underhanded plan.

preparing an approach

Emphasizes the method or way of dealing with a situation or problem.

charting a path

Suggests a plan that involves navigating complexities or uncertainties.

drafting an outline

Emphasizes the initial stages of planning, focusing on the key points.

conceiving a project

Highlights the creative aspect of developing a plan, often for a specific endeavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "formulating a plan" to describe the process of creating a strategy. For example: "The company is currently "formulating a plan" to expand into new markets".

What are some alternatives to "formulating a plan"?

Alternatives to "formulating a plan" include "developing a strategy", "creating a blueprint", or "devising a scheme". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context.

Is it better to say "formulating a plan" or "developing a plan"?

Both "formulating a plan" and "developing a plan" are correct and widely used. "Developing a plan" emphasizes the growth and refinement of the strategy, while "formulating a plan" focuses on the initial creation and structuring of it.

What's the difference between "formulating a plan" and "implementing a plan"?

"Formulating a plan" refers to the process of creating or devising a strategy, whereas "implementing a plan" involves putting that strategy into action and executing its steps.