make plans

USAGE SUMMARY

"make plans" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to indicate that you or someone else is in the process of formulating a plan or strategy of some kind. Example: I'm going to make plans for a surprise trip to the beach this weekend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They make plans.

The New Yorker

I don't make plans really".

Independent

It's tough to make plans.

The New York Times

Don't make plans.

The Guardian - Sport

Together you will make plans.

Stanford University

"I just want to make plans, Grisha.

The New Yorker

Their friends can comment and make plans.

The New York Times

Any business must make plans.

The New York Times

Others make plans.

BBC

Make plans from your sedan.

Duke University

Make plans for your children.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make plans" when discussing the initial stages of organizing future events or actions. For example, "Let's make plans for our summer vacation."

Common error

While "make plans" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overuse in formal documents. Instead, consider stronger verbs such as "formulate", "establish", or "develop" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "make plans" is as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used, indicating its widespread acceptance in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

30%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make plans" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that signifies the act of organizing and preparing for future activities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. While it is suitable for general communication, consider more formal alternatives in professional or academic contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, reflecting its broad applicability in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulate plans

This alternative emphasizes the mental process of creating plans.

draw up plans

This suggests a more detailed and formal planning process.

develop a strategy

Focuses on creating a strategic approach for achieving goals.

arrange schedules

Implies organizing and coordinating specific times and activities.

set up arrangements

Highlights the act of establishing agreements and preparations.

establish a schedule

Similar to arrange schedules, but slightly more formal.

devise a scheme

Suggests creating a cunning or clever plan, sometimes with a negative connotation.

map out a course of action

Focuses on detailing the steps needed to achieve a specific outcome.

lay out a blueprint

Emphasizes creating a detailed and structured plan.

design a project

Suggests a structured approach to creating something new.

FAQs

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

You can use "make plans" to describe the act of arranging or preparing for future events. For example: "We need to make plans for the conference next month."

What are some alternatives to "make plans"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "formulate plans", "draw up plans", or "develop a strategy".

Is it grammatically correct to say "making plans"?

Yes, "making plans" is the present participle form of the verb phrase and is perfectly acceptable. For example: "They are making plans for their retirement."

What's the difference between "make plans" and "execute plans"?

"Make plans" refers to the initial stage of creating a plan, while "execute plans" refers to the act of carrying out or implementing those plans. They represent different phases of a project or activity.