lofty plan

USAGE SUMMARY

"lofty plan" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means a grand or ambitious plan. Example: "Our team has come up with a lofty plan to expand our business internationally within the next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

With a view to making the most of this windfall, I formulated a lofty plan.

The New York Times

Hampton Creek nabbed an ex-Google maps engineer this summer and put him in charge of a lofty plan to build out the world's largest database of plants.

TechCrunch

Lawmakers are furiously trying to find common ground on a bill that will reduce foreclosures, and earlier this week, Paulson unveiled a lofty plan to overhaul the nation's financial regulatory system.

Forbes

Realtime, a technology developed by a company which has been around since the Internet's earliest days with the practically un-Googleable name "Internet Business Technologies," has just received a massive $100 million investment to help fund its lofty plan to build the real-time web.

TechCrunch

To the panelists, though, vision is just a lofty plan from an outsider.

Los Angeles Times

The team, owned by the powerful Ricketts family, has a self-imposed deadline of Monday, opening day, by which they hope to approve a deal with the city that will pave the way for them to rehab the park, adding a clubhouse, more restrooms and a boutique hotel across from the ballpark -- as well as more night games and street fairs -- in a lofty plan unveiled in January.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He hatched the lofty, idealistic plan, and brought it to Levi's®.

Vice

He has other lofty plans.

The Economist

Where once there were lofty plans, more pragmatic voices reign.

The New York Times

Nordstrom was naturally a bit skeptical when Hansen presented such lofty plans.

The New York Times - Sports

Some analysts say the broad-based opposition to Google's lofty plans was unprecedented and a harbinger of the intense scrutiny the company's ambitious agenda will face.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lofty plan" to describe initiatives that are not only ambitious in scope but also carry a sense of idealism or high-minded purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "lofty" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "ambitious", "grand", or "visionary" to prevent redundancy and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lofty plan" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'lofty' modifies the noun 'plan'. It describes the nature or quality of the plan. The phrase is used to depict the plan as being ambitious, idealistic, or grand in scope, aligning with Ludwig's definition of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lofty plan" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase signifying an ambitious or grand scheme. Ludwig AI affirms this, further emphasizing its suitability for describing initiatives with idealistic goals. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent use in news and media, science, and encyclopedia contexts. For variety, consider alternatives like "ambitious project" or "grand scheme". When using the phrase, ensure its tone aligns with the desired impact—whether celebratory or critical. Be mindful of overusing "lofty" and opt for synonyms to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambitious project

Focuses more on the effort and scale of the undertaking.

grand scheme

Emphasizes the scale and vision, potentially implying complexity.

ambitious design

Highlights a large, maybe audacious project.

idealistic scheme

Highlights the aim to reach perfection, not considering practicality.

grandiose design

This suggests a design or plan that is overly ambitious and elaborate, often impractical.

visionary project

This refers to a project that is innovative and forward-thinking.

audacious goal

Focuses on the boldness and risk associated with the objective.

noble aspiration

This emphasizes the moral or ethical component of the plan.

imaginative undertaking

Focuses on innovation and creativity rather than just scale.

far-reaching proposal

Emphasizes the broad impact and scope of the plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "lofty plan" to describe a grand or ambitious project, for example: "The company unveiled a "lofty plan" to revolutionize the industry with its new technology."

What are some synonyms for "lofty plan"?

Alternatives to "lofty plan" include "ambitious project", "grand scheme", or "visionary project", each emphasizing different aspects of the plan's nature.

Is "lofty plan" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "lofty plan" is appropriate for formal writing when describing ambitious projects or goals, but consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the tone. Alternatives such as "ambitious project" might be more suitable depending on the context.

What distinguishes a "lofty plan" from a regular plan?

A "lofty plan" implies a high degree of ambition, idealism, and often a broad scope, differentiating it from a regular plan that may be more practical or limited in its objectives. It suggests a vision that goes beyond the ordinary.