plans to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'plans to' is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate someone's intentions for the future. For example, "John plans to take a trip to Europe this summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No plans to leave.

The Guardian

He plans to appeal.

The Economist

Q Any plans to retire?

The New York Times

Mr. Khodorkovsky plans to appeal.

The New York Times

He plans to study gastronomy.

The New York Times

He plans to resell it.

The New York Times - Books

She plans to build bookshelves.

The New York Times

She plans to study psychology.

The New York Times

He has plans to remarry.

The New York Times - Sports

The city plans to appeal.

The New York Times

Quidsi plans to keep expanding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing official or formal arrangements, use "plans to" for clarity and professionalism.

Common error

While "planning to" is grammatically correct, "plans to" often provides a more direct and concise way to express future intentions. Choose the shorter form for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plans to" functions as an infinitive phrase, indicating a future action or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It connects a subject with their intended action, setting expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plans to" serves as a versatile and common phrase to express future intentions or arrangements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts, especially in news, business, and to a lesser degree, science. The analysis shows a neutral register and high frequency, marking it as an essential tool for clear communication. When clarity and conciseness are key, opting for "plans to" over alternatives like "planning to" can enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intends to

Focuses on the intention aspect of planning, suggesting a mental decision has been made.

is going to

A more informal way to indicate future action, implying a pre-existing plan or decision.

aims to

Emphasizes the goal-oriented nature of the plan, focusing on the desired outcome.

is preparing to

Highlights the preparatory actions being taken in anticipation of a future event.

is set to

Indicates a scheduled or confirmed future event, suggesting a higher degree of certainty.

schemes to

Implies a more detailed and strategic plan, often with a hint of ingenuity.

arranges to

This alternative emphasizes the act of setting in order and making preparation for an action.

has scheduled to

Focuses on the fact that an action is already in the planning and scheduled to happen.

envisions to

Suggests a long-term plan which conveys a vision, not just a plan.

contemplates to

Highlights the act of deeply thinking about what action to take and why.

FAQs

How can I use "plans to" in a sentence?

Use "plans to" followed by a verb to express an intention or arrangement. For instance, "She "plans to travel" next year."

What are some alternatives to "plans to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "intends to", "is going to", or "aims to".

Is there a difference between "plans to" and "is planning to"?

Both phrases are generally interchangeable, but "plans to" is often more concise. "Is planning to" can emphasize the ongoing nature of the planning process.

When is it more appropriate to use "is going to" instead of "plans to"?

"Is going to" is often used for less formal or spontaneous intentions, while "plans to" suggests a more deliberate and considered arrangement. For example, "I "am going to eat" now" versus "The company "plans to expand" next year."