going according to plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going according to plan" is correct and it is usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation where things are unfolding the way you intended them to. For example, "The project is going according to plan, and we should be able to finish it by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Everything is going according to plan.

The New York Times

Everything was going according to plan.

The New Yorker

Things were not going according to plan.

The Guardian - Sport

"Everything was going according to plan," she said.

The New York Times

For Sobyanin, things seem to be going according to plan.

The Guardian

Will thinks everything is going according to plan.

The Guardian

The night is not going according to plan.

The New York Times

He insisted that everything was going according to plan.

The New Yorker

So maybe all is going according to plan.

The Guardian - Opinion

Everything seemed to be going according to plan.

The New Yorker

In short, everything is going according to plan.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing unexpected deviations, clearly state whether the situation is still "going according to plan" or requires adjustments to expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "going according to plan" as a blanket statement to gloss over issues or setbacks. Transparency and accurate assessment are crucial for effective communication and decision-making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going according to plan" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a situation or project is developing as expected. It confirms alignment with predefined arrangements, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going according to plan" is a commonly used phrase that indicates a situation is progressing as expected. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It serves to reassure and confirm that predefined arrangements are being followed. While generally neutral in register, the phrase sees frequent use in news and media, with occasional presence in science and formal business contexts. Remember to avoid overusing it to mask underlying problems, and consider alternatives like "progressing as anticipated" or ""unfolding as expected"" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressing as anticipated

Replaces "going according to plan" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the expected progression.

unfolding as expected

Emphasizes the unfolding nature of events aligning with initial expectations, rather than a rigid plan.

proceeding as scheduled

Highlights adherence to a pre-defined schedule or timeline, offering a more structured feel.

working out as intended

Focuses on the positive outcome aligning with the original intention or purpose.

on track as projected

Uses business-oriented language, suggesting alignment with projected milestones or goals.

developing as foreseen

Similar to "unfolding as expected", but places more emphasis on the sense of foresight.

realizing the vision

Indicates successful execution that brings a vision to life, broadening the scope beyond a simple plan.

fulfilling the expectations

Highlights the act of meeting predefined expectations, implying a sense of achievement.

playing out as designed

Suggests a pre-determined sequence of actions, implying careful design and execution.

materializing as conceptualized

Captures the idea of something becoming real in the way it was imagined, adding a touch of creativity.

FAQs

How can I use "going according to plan" in a sentence?

You can use "going according to plan" to describe a situation where things are progressing as expected. For example, "The construction of the new bridge is "proceeding as scheduled", and everything is "going according to plan"."

What are some alternatives to "going according to plan"?

Some alternatives include "progressing as anticipated", "unfolding as expected", or "proceeding as scheduled". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to say something is "going according to plan"?

Generally, yes, it implies a positive outcome. However, it can also be used sarcastically or ironically to highlight a discrepancy between expectation and reality. Pay attention to the tone and context.

What's the difference between "going according to plan" and "going according to schedule"?

"Going according to plan" implies that all aspects of a project or activity are unfolding as anticipated, while "going according to schedule" specifically refers to the timeline and whether milestones are being met on time. "Going according to plan" is the broader statement.