make plans for

USAGE SUMMARY

"make plans for" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone is creating or organizing a series of actions or goals to achieve in the future. Example: "I need to make plans for my summer vacation. I want to visit Europe and explore different cities." Example: "The company is making plans for expansion into new markets. They have a team working on the strategy and logistics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I never make plans for myself when he's gone.

The Washington Post

"New Yorkers don't like to make plans for anything," he said, "good or bad".

The New Yorker

1. August 9, 1971: Haldeman and Nixon make plans for the opening of the Kennedy Center.

The New Yorker

You're thinking: 'Could I have done this different,' you make plans for the future.

The Guardian - Sport

Doctors reportedly told him not to make plans for that Christmas.

The New York Times

"Based on this the children began to make plans for the future," Jureczko said.

The Guardian

Hilal had seen enough devastation to know to make plans for his demise.

The New Yorker

You cannot make plans for exchanging or cashing in points until fees are paid.

The New York Times - Travel

It has recently been discovered that wild orangutans can make plans for the future.

The Guardian

Do you call your friends to make plans for the weekend?

MIT Technology Review

Devotees of disaster preparedness stockpile supplies and make plans for the worst.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required by your audience. While "make plans for" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "develop a strategy for" or "formulate a plan for".

Common error

Avoid making plans that are too rigid. Always incorporate flexibility to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. Consider adding "backup plans" or "Plan B" to your strategy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make plans for" functions as a verb phrase that typically takes a noun phrase as its object. It indicates the act of creating or organizing a strategy or set of actions in anticipation of a future event or situation, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

33%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make plans for" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of preparing or organizing for a future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and applicable across various contexts, from formal business settings to informal conversations. While it’s important to be specific in your planning and consider contingency plans, this phrase offers a straightforward way to express intention and preparation. Alternatives such as "prepare for" or "arrange for" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. With its frequent use in news media and general writing, mastering the use of "make plans for" will enhance your communication effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepare for

Focuses more on the readiness aspect rather than the arrangement itself.

arrange for

Highlights the organizational aspect of getting something ready.

get ready for

Implies a state of preparedness rather than the act of planning.

schedule

Refers specifically to setting a time or order for events.

organize

Emphasizes the structure and coordination needed.

lay the groundwork for

Focuses on establishing a foundation for future actions.

set the stage for

Suggests creating the conditions for something to happen.

map out

Implies a detailed and strategic planning process.

develop a strategy for

Highlights the strategic and thoughtful nature of the planning.

formulate a plan for

Emphasizes the creation of a structured approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "make plans for" to describe the act of preparing or arranging for something in the future. For example, "We need to make plans for our summer vacation" or "The company is making plans for its next product launch".

What are some alternatives to "make plans for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "prepare for", "arrange for", or "get ready for".

Is it correct to say "making plans for" instead of "make plans for"?

Yes, "making plans for" is a correct and commonly used variation. It is the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses, such as "We are making plans for the upcoming conference".

What's the difference between "make plans for" and "make arrangements for"?

"Make plans for" generally refers to a broader, more strategic preparation, while "make arrangements for" typically involves more specific and logistical preparations. For example, you might "make plans for" a wedding, but "make arrangements for" the catering and venue.