preliminary planning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary planning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial stages of organizing or strategizing for a project or event. Example: "Before we move forward with the project, we need to engage in some preliminary planning to outline our goals and objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The plot did not get beyond the most preliminary planning.

The Economist

Officials said the saboteurs' discussions had been more preliminary planning than a firm plot.

The New York Times

Invading Britain On 30 July 1940 he ordered preliminary planning for a war of annihilation against the Soviet Union.

The Guardian

Still in the preliminary planning stages, Jimo would cost several billion dollars, which includes developing a space-worthy nuclear reactor.

The New York Times - Science

The preliminary planning deals with sequencing at the form-feature level.

Computers in Industry

(In preliminary planning for the main property are another 40 units of low-income housing and 18,000 square feet of commercial space on Bushwick Avenue).

The New York Times

He was asked about a July 5 article in The Times, which reported preliminary planning on ways the United States might attack Iraq to topple President Saddam Hussein.

The New York Times

But he said preliminary planning had evolved to the point where it was important to discuss "important conceptual changes" in talks with these two vital American allies.

The New York Times

Johnson told a preliminary planning meeting at City Hall, London, that he supported much of the Southbank Centre's plans, but not moving the skaters from their present home.

The Guardian

A spokesman for the State Transportation Department said that only preliminary planning on the approaches had been done on the Rye‐Oyster Bay project.

The New York Times

In future crowdfunding campaigns, Lai said she'd spend more time publicizinsg it, which would require more careful preliminary planning to identify big-name supporters.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary planning", ensure it's followed by specific actions or outcomes. For example, "The preliminary planning included identifying key stakeholders and setting project goals".

Common error

Avoid using "preliminary planning" when the planning is already well-advanced. Instead, use terms like "project planning" or "detailed planning" to reflect the current stage of development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary planning" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the initial stage of organizing and strategizing before undertaking a task, project, or event. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preliminary planning" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the initial stages of planning a project or event. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "initial planning" and "early-stage planning" exist, it is important to avoid using it when the planning process is already advanced. By following best practices and being mindful of common errors, you can effectively use the phrase "preliminary planning" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial planning

Focuses on the commencement of planning activities.

early-stage planning

Highlights the planning process during its nascent phase.

advance planning

Emphasizes planning done ahead of time.

preparatory planning

Stresses the planning done in preparation for something.

front-end planning

Implies planning at the very beginning of a project.

preliminary design

Refers to the initial design phase within a larger planning process.

conceptual planning

Highlights the focus on conceptual aspects during the initial planning.

scoping phase

Implies defining the scope of the project as part of early planning.

feasibility study

Focuses on assessing the viability of a plan during the early stages.

groundwork

Emphasizes laying the foundation for future planning activities.

FAQs

How can I use "preliminary planning" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary planning" to describe the initial stages of preparing for a project, event, or activity. For example, "The success of the event hinged on careful "preliminary planning"."

What are some alternatives to "preliminary planning"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "initial planning", "early-stage planning", or "preparatory planning".

Is there a difference between "preliminary planning" and "strategic planning"?

"Preliminary planning" generally refers to the initial steps and groundwork, while "strategic planning" involves a broader, long-term vision and approach. The former often precedes the latter.

What's the importance of "preliminary planning" in project management?

"Preliminary planning" sets the foundation for a project's success by defining objectives, identifying resources, and mitigating potential risks. It ensures all stakeholders are aligned from the outset.