Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
plans is needed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "plans is needed" is not correct in written English.
It should be "plans are needed" since "plans" is plural. Example: "In order to move forward with the project, several plans are needed to ensure success."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Patient Education and Counseling
BMC Public Health
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
It was concluded that improved dissemination of written and verbal information on all aspects of asthma and increased awareness, training and support for adoption of written self-management (action) plans is needed to provide a more efficient and effective service for South Asian patients with asthma.
It is therefore suggested that greater flexibility in the design of session plans is needed to ensure fidelity of intervention implementation is not compromised.
Science
Greater attention to patient and physician education regarding the burden of NSNHEs and incorporation of corrective actions in treatment plans is needed to facilitate patients reaching optimal glycaemic control.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
Years of underfunding mean that more contributions to public-sector plans are needed, and soon.
News & Media
Republicans insisted that competition between traditional Medicare and private plans was needed to slow the growth of Medicare spending.
News & Media
The few changes to infrastructure proposed in the Bloomberg plan are insignificant, minor adjustments where far bigger plans are needed, like finally finishing the eternally unfinished Second Avenue subway.
News & Media
Writer blames economic problems on a rotting infrastructure in American society, and suggests that bolder plans are needed than the Bipartisan Budget Appeal.
News & Media
Therefore, light management plans are needed for ultrathin solar cells to enhance their light absorption.
Science
Urgent management plans are needed to supervise the exploitation of groundwater resources and prevent further deterioration of groundwater quality.
Science
Mr Cann, the North Devon councillor responsible for environmental matters, said better contingency plans were needed in the short-term.
News & Media
To address the gap between political ambition and action, clear strategies and action plans are needed to guide the development of appropriate policies and regulations.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Ensure subject-verb agreement by using "plans are needed" when referring to multiple plans. Review your sentence structure to confirm that plural subjects take plural verbs.
Common error
A common mistake is to use singular verbs with plural subjects. Always check if your verb agrees with the subject; in this case, "plans are needed" is correct, not "plans is needed".
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase functions to express a requirement or necessity for specific plans. However, the phrase is grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI reports, the correct form would be "plans are needed".
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "plans is needed" is grammatically incorrect, as Ludwig AI highlights, due to the subject-verb disagreement. The plural noun "plans" requires the plural verb form "are". Therefore, the correct phrasing is "plans are needed". While examples exist, predominantly within science-related contexts, it's crucial to use the grammatically correct form to maintain clarity and credibility in writing. Alternative phrases, such as "plans are required" or "plans are necessary", can also be used to convey a similar meaning. Remember to ensure subject-verb agreement in all writing contexts to avoid such errors.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
plans are required
Changes the verb from "needed" to "required", and corrects the verb conjugation to the plural form.
plans are necessary
Replaces "needed" with "necessary", maintaining the plural verb conjugation.
action plans are essential
Replaces 'needed' with 'essential' and specifies 'action plans'.
a plan is required
Shifts to singular form, requiring a single plan rather than multiple.
we need plans
Restructures the sentence to use "need" as the main verb, emphasizing the requirement for plans.
a strategy is needed
Uses 'strategy' instead of 'plan', implying a broader approach is necessary.
careful planning is vital
Focuses on the act of 'planning' rather than the 'plans' themselves, emphasizing its importance.
planning is crucial
Highlights the importance of planning by using 'crucial'.
plans are lacking
Indicates a deficiency or absence of plans, implying a need to create them.
planning is underway
Highlights that there is actual planning underway.
FAQs
What is the correct way to say "plans is needed"?
The correct phrasing is "plans are needed". The word "plans" is plural, so it requires the plural form of the verb "to be", which is "are".
What can I say instead of "plans is needed"?
You can use alternatives like "plans are required" or "plans are necessary". These phrases maintain the meaning while using correct grammar.
Is it ever correct to say "plan is needed"?
Yes, if you're referring to a single plan. For example, "A detailed "plan is needed" to address the project's challenges".
What's the difference between "plans are needed" and "planning is needed"?
"Plans are needed" refers to the actual documents or strategies themselves. "Planning is needed" refers to the process of creating those plans. The first focuses on the output; the second, on the activity.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested