plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun, verb, or even an adjective to describe something that has been planned out. For example: "We have a solid plan in place to make sure our project succeeds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If you want to stop Ed Miliband and the SNP from getting into power and wrecking our economy... and if you want me back on work on Friday working through our long-term economic plan as your prime minister then it is vital that you vote Conservative," Cameron said.

The Guardian

If the Conservatives' latest policy of a cut in national insurance was meant to give him a debating advantage against Vince Cable and Alistair Darling, the plan backfired in spectacular fashion.

The Guardian

"This was essential work but passengers need to be able to plan and rely on Network Rail meeting its deadlines for having the network back in service.

The Guardian - Business

Alexander made clear the Liberal Democrats' deep unease at the prime minister's plan when he warned of the dangers posed by those who "put anti-European ideology ahead of our national interest".

The Guardian

Or at least that's the plan.

The New York Times

The brilliance of the Graetz plan is that no tax expenditures need to be repealed.

The New York Times

The world economy was in a tailspin and facing disaster to match the 1930s, but Brown had a plan which he had compared to the Bretton Woods agreement that shaped the world's postwar economic infrastructure.

The Guardian

Hungary did not rack up the biggest win in World Cup history because El Salvador were the worst team ever to reach the finals; rather, they were the happy beneficiaries of a monumentally ill-conceived tactical plan.

The Guardian - Sport

The first that other judges knew of his plan to contest the appointment of Boddice – who had been nominated two months earlier under a 20-year protocol – was a public statement the next day that it was "a matter for the chief justice under the electoral act".

The Guardian

There was One North's £15bn transport infrastructure plan, including a high-speed rail link, "HS-3", from Manchester to Leeds – reportedly even more extravagant than the proposed high speed rail link, HS2.

The Guardian

As a result, leaders of all parties were making all kinds of offers to hand over powers north of the border, including tax-raising powers that remained a no-go area in the Bernstein plan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plan" in a professional setting, ensure it's detailed and actionable. A vague "plan" lacks impact. Specify steps, timelines, and resources.

Common error

Avoid using "plan" repeatedly in close proximity without providing specific details. Instead, vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "strategy", "approach", or "design" to enhance clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The word "plan" functions as both a noun, representing a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something, and a verb, meaning to decide on or arrange in advance. Ludwig showcases its versatile usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "plan" is a versatile term used both as a noun and a verb to describe intentions, strategies, or designs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts, indicating its neutrality and broad appeal. To enhance clarity and avoid repetition, consider using synonyms like "strategy", "design", or "project". When crafting a "plan", ensure it's detailed and actionable to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strategy

Emphasizes a comprehensive approach to achieve a goal.

project

Focuses on a specific undertaking with defined objectives.

scheme

Suggests a systematic arrangement, sometimes with a negative connotation.

program

Implies a structured set of activities or procedures.

design

Highlights the conceptual layout or blueprint.

blueprint

Denotes a detailed outline or strategy.

intention

Refers to a purpose or aim.

arrangement

Implies an organized structure or setup.

road map

Offers a visual and strategic guide to achieving a goal.

game plan

Highlights a strategic approach, especially in competitive situations.

FAQs

How can I use "plan" in a sentence?

You can use "plan" as a noun to refer to a detailed proposal or strategy, as in "We have a solid plan for the project". It can also be used as a verb meaning to intend or design, as in "They plan to launch the product next quarter".

What are some alternatives to the word "plan"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "strategy", "project", "scheme", "design", or "intention".

What is the difference between "plan" and "strategy"?

"Plan" typically refers to a specific set of actions intended to achieve a goal, while "strategy" is a broader approach encompassing overall objectives and resource allocation. A strategy may include multiple plans.

Is it correct to say "I plan on going" or "I plan to go"?

Both "I plan on going" and "I plan to go" are grammatically correct, but "I plan to go" is generally considered more formal and widely accepted. "Plan on going" is more common in informal speech.