lofty plans

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lofty plans" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe ambitious or high-reaching goals or aspirations that someone has. Example: "Despite the challenges ahead, she remained committed to her lofty plans of starting a non-profit organization to help underprivileged children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

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

After all the lofty plans for a new constitution — the French inspiration, the fact-finding trips to Mexico — the project collapsed when the Brotherhood tried to stack the committee with its own members, leading to a walkout by others.

The New Yorker

He drew up plans for a princely palace for Cosimo; but the latter preferred the less lofty plans of Michelozzo, although Michelozzo's Medici Palace (the modern Palazzo Medici-Riccardi) was only slightly less grandiose and provided the first break with the family's traditional stance of humility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

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

Vice

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

The New York Times

Both advocacy and performance measurement ends of the city planning spectrum have advanced the approach of measuring and monitoring urban indicators as a practical means to lofty planning goals.

Cities

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lofty plans", consider the context. If the plans are failing or seem unrealistic, the phrase can take on a slightly sarcastic tone.

Common error

While "lofty plans" can sometimes imply unrealistic ambition, avoid consistently using it sarcastically. Overuse can diminish the phrase's impact and make your writing sound cynical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lofty plans" functions as a noun phrase, where 'lofty' is an adjective modifying the noun 'plans.' According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. This construction typically describes ambitions or intentions that are elevated, grand, and often idealistic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lofty plans" describes ambitions that are significant and aspirational, often with an idealistic bent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. When employing this phrase, it's important to consider its tone; while generally positive, overuse or sarcastic application can diminish its impact. Alternatives such as "ambitious projects" or "visionary aims" can provide nuanced variations. By understanding these subtleties, writers can effectively and appropriately incorporate "lofty plans" into their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambitious goals

More general term for ambitious targets.

ambitious projects

Focuses more on the practical implementation of ambitious ideas.

grand designs

Implies a more elaborate and sometimes unrealistic nature.

bold initiatives

Focuses on the courage and risk involved in the plans.

aspirational goals

Highlights the desire and hope behind the plans.

visionary aims

Emphasizes the innovative and forward-thinking quality.

grandiose schemes

Suggests impracticality and excessive ambition.

significant undertakings

Underscores the substantial effort and resources required.

idealistic objectives

Emphasizes the high-minded and often unrealistic nature.

high-minded aspirations

Highlights the moral and ethical dimension of the plans.

FAQs

What does "lofty plans" mean?

The term "lofty plans" refers to ambitions that are not only significant and grand but also morally admirable or idealistic in nature. It suggests aspirations that aim high and seek to achieve substantial positive outcomes.

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

You might say, "The organization's "lofty plans" for environmental conservation are inspiring many volunteers" or "Despite the challenges, the entrepreneur pursued his "lofty plans" for sustainable energy solutions".

What are some synonyms for "lofty plans"?

Alternatives include "ambitious projects", "grand designs", "aspirational goals", or "visionary aims". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When might "lofty plans" be inappropriate to use?

While generally positive, "lofty plans" may be unsuitable if the schemes are clearly impractical, deceitful, or harmful. In such cases, terms like "grandiose schemes" or "ambitious machinations" might be more fitting.