plans are underway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plans are underway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that preparations or arrangements for something are currently in progress. Example: "The event is scheduled for next month, and plans are underway to ensure everything runs smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At Tesco, plans are underway to produce gnomes with cell phones and laptops.

The New York Times

Plans are underway to release Fast & Furious 7 using footage Paul Walker had already filmed.

Independent

Plans are underway to construct a K-Mart in downtown Newark, which would be the first department store to open in the city since the 1967 riots.

The New York Times

Plans are underway for the Nov. 14 launch of Apollo 12, which must land within 1500 feet of the unmanned Surveyor III.

The New Yorker

Plans are underway to establish the GMG remuneration committee information and consultative forum (RCICF), which will consist of union and employee nominated representatives.

The Guardian

Plans are underway to pay tribute to the late actor in an hour-long special in the show's forthcoming fifth series.

Independent

Already plans are underway to help the government organize its first popular census in 31 years — a key benchmark for fair and effective democratic governance.

The New York Times

Plans are underway for an American take on Gavin & Stacey (New Jersey and South Carolina could work as alternatives to Essex and Wales).

Independent

Additional plans are underway for a second space in which to use performance capture technology, and for a curriculum in postproduction.

The New York Times

Plans are underway for the first field implementation of the process.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Plans are underway for many more, Watkins says, though no plant has yet been built.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When detailing the plans, provide specific information about what is being done to avoid vagueness. For example, instead of just saying "Plans are underway for the conference", specify "Plans are underway to secure a venue and confirm speakers for the conference".

Common error

Avoid repeatedly stating that "plans are underway" without giving concrete updates on the progress of these plans. Regularly share milestones and achievements to demonstrate that the plans are indeed advancing effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plans are underway" functions as an announcement or declaration of ongoing preparations. It suggests that a process has been initiated and is currently in progress. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "plans are underway" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that preparations or arrangements for a specific project, event, or initiative are in progress. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, it serves to inform the audience that actions are being actively taken. While versatile, it is advisable to provide concrete updates to avoid overuse without demonstrable progress. Related alternatives include "preparations are in progress" and "arrangements are being made", each carrying subtle nuances in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparations are in progress

Replaces "plans" with "preparations" and "underway" with "in progress", emphasizing the preparatory aspect.

arrangements are being made

Focuses on the act of making arrangements, highlighting the organizational aspect of the ongoing activity.

actions are being taken

Highlights the active steps being pursued rather than the planning stage.

steps are being implemented

Suggests a more concrete execution phase of the plans.

work is in progress

Indicates that active work is currently happening to achieve a goal.

things are in motion

A more metaphorical way to say that actions and activities have begun.

development is proceeding

Highlights the process of development and its continuous advancement.

measures are being pursued

Emphasizes the specific actions or measures that are actively being followed.

things are taking shape

Indicates that something is gradually becoming more defined or organized.

efforts are in motion

Focuses on the exertion of effort and its current state of activity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "plans are underway" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "preparations are in progress", "arrangements are being made", or "actions are being taken". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a heightened level of formality.

What's the difference between "plans are underway" and "plans are in progress"?

While both phrases are similar, "plans are underway" suggests that the planning phase itself is active and ongoing. "Plans are in progress" can refer to any stage of the project beyond initial planning, indicating that the entire endeavor is moving forward.

Is it correct to say "plans is underway"?

No, the correct phrasing is "plans are underway". "Plans" is plural, so it requires the plural verb "are". Using "is" would be grammatically incorrect.

What are some common contexts where "plans are underway" is used?

"Plans are underway" is commonly used in professional settings to describe business initiatives, in news reports to describe ongoing projects or developments, and in academic or research contexts to indicate progress in studies or experiments. You'll often find it in contexts where progress needs to be communicated clearly and efficiently.