gone to plan

USAGE SUMMARY

'gone to plan' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a plan or course of action has gone as expected, or has been a success. For example: "We launched the new product yesterday and so far everything has gone to plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not everything has gone to plan.

The New York Times

Clearly this has not gone to plan.

The Economist

Much has gone to plan.

The Guardian - Sport

It hasn't quite gone to plan.

MIT Technology Review

But not everything has gone to plan.

The Guardian

The plan has not gone to plan.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Things haven't really gone to plan today," she wrote.

The New Yorker

Since then, things have not quite gone to plan.

The Times

This season in the league has not gone to plan.

The Guardian - Sport

That said, not everything has gone to plan.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Things have not gone to plan.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize a smooth and efficient execution, consider using alternatives such as "ran like clockwork".

Common error

Avoid using "gone to plan" sarcastically when the outcome is clearly disastrous. While irony can be effective, ensure the context is clear to prevent misunderstanding. If things have gone badly, consider "hasn't gone to plan" or more direct descriptions of the failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gone to plan" functions as a predicate in a sentence, typically following a subject and auxiliary verb (e.g., "has", "had"). It indicates the successful execution of a pre-determined course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Sport

25%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gone to plan" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that indicates a successful execution of a pre-determined course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears across a spectrum of contexts, from News & Media to sports and lifestyle writing. The phrase's frequency and acceptance are further reflected in its widespread usage within reputable sources like The Guardian, BBC, and The New York Times. When aiming for alternatives, consider phrases like "proceeded as expected" or "worked out perfectly", based on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceeded as expected

Replaces the idiomatic "gone to plan" with a more literal description of the outcome.

worked out perfectly

Focuses on the positive result, emphasizing the flawless execution.

achieved the intended result

Highlights the accomplishment of the goal set out in the plan.

followed the blueprint

Emphasizes adherence to a detailed plan or design.

happened according to schedule

Focuses on the timing aspect of the plan's execution.

unfolded as anticipated

Uses a more descriptive verb to convey the expected progression of events.

materialized successfully

Highlights the tangible realization of the plan's objectives.

ran like clockwork

Emphasizes the smooth, efficient execution of the plan.

turned out as hoped

Expresses satisfaction with the final result aligning with initial expectations.

panned out well

An informal way of saying something resulted in a good outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "gone to plan" in a sentence?

You can use "gone to plan" to indicate that a project, event, or activity has been successfully executed according to the original intentions. For example, "The surgery "went to plan" and the patient is recovering well."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "gone to plan"?

Some alternatives include "proceeded as expected", "worked out perfectly", or "achieved the intended result", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "everything has gone to plan"?

Yes, "everything has gone to plan" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that all aspects of a project or event have unfolded as intended.

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

"Going to plan" describes something that is currently unfolding as expected, while "gone to plan" describes something that has already happened and was successful. For example, "The construction is going to plan so far," versus "The launch gone to plan, and the satellite is now in orbit."