plan to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plan to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the intention to do something. For example: "We are planning to go on vacation next summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We plan to!

BBC

Don't plan to fail".

The New York Times

They plan to divorce.

The New York Times

"Plan to stay loyal".

The New York Times

To plan, to plot".

The New Yorker

Opponents plan to appeal.

The New York Times

All plan to expand.

The New York Times

"I plan to go 9.7.

The New York Times - Sports

Do you plan to return?

The New York Times

Plan to build more roads?

The Economist

Nor do we plan to.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plan to", ensure that the action being planned is clearly defined and logically follows the subject. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses inconsistently when using "plan to". For instance, don't say "I planned to went" – it should be "I planned to go". Maintain consistent tense for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plan to" functions as an auxiliary verb construction. It combines with a main verb to express future intentions or arrangements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in expressing the intention to do something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plan to" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to express future intentions or arrangements. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, noting that it indicates a deliberate action. Predominantly found in news and media, but also used in wiki and business contexts, its register is generally neutral. When using "plan to", ensure your tense is consistent and the planned action is clear. Remember that alternatives like "intend to" or "aim to" can add nuance, and that "plan to" suggests a more intentional decision than "going to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intend to

A more formal synonym emphasizing deliberate intention.

aim to

Highlights the goal or objective being pursued.

have plans to

Indicates the existence of established arrangements.

expect to

Indicates an anticipation of a future event or outcome.

anticipate to

Suggests looking forward to or preparing for something.

prepare to

Focuses on the act of getting ready for a specific event.

arrange to

Implies making detailed arrangements or preparations.

schedule to

Highlights the act of setting a specific time for an event.

make arrangements to

Similar to 'arrange to', but with a greater emphasis on the process.

look forward to

Expresses anticipation and excitement about a future event.

FAQs

How do I use "plan to" in a sentence?

Use "plan to" followed by a verb to express an intention or arrangement. For example, "I "plan to travel" next year" or "We "plan to meet" next week".

What are some alternatives to "plan to"?

Alternatives include "intend to", "aim to", "expect to", or "anticipate to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "planning on" instead of "plan to"?

While "planning on" is grammatically correct, it has a slightly different connotation. "Plan to" implies a more definite intention, whereas "planning on" suggests a less firm or more exploratory approach.

What's the difference between "plan to" and "going to"?

"Plan to" often suggests a more formal or deliberate decision, while "going to" is more general and can indicate either a planned or spontaneous action. For example, "I "plan to attend" the conference" sounds more intentional than "I'm "going to attend" the conference".