spoil plans

USAGE SUMMARY

"spoil plans" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something has disrupted or destroyed someone's plans or ideas. For example, "The bad weather spoiled our plans for a picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Opposition supporters accused the authorities of deliberately provoking trouble to spoil plans for a nationwide "day of rage" that had been called for.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Teen dropouts spoiling plans to keep young in education".

Independent

Earlier this month, the Turkish Parliament narrowly rejected a resolution giving permission for American troops to use southeastern Turkey as a staging area, spoiling plans to open a second front.

The New York Times

Mayor Newsom says that the plan is still going head with public money and that Earthlink will not spoil the plans to roll out wireless throughout the city.

TechCrunch

But quite improbably, by seizing on India's deepening friendship with the United States, Mr. Karat and his party have lately emerged as a sharp and dangerous weapon against the coalition government, making it plain that though the Communists do not have the strength to rule India, they have the power to spoil the plans of those who do.

The New York Times

Yet Comcast could spoil the plans of both.

Forbes

If I will today to take a trip tomorrow and events intercede to spoil my plans, I may have to change my mind, but to suppose that something analogous happens to God is absurd.

SEP

He'd save the day if it weren't for the crazy machinations of Chico and Harpo, who constantly spoil his plans.

Huffington Post

Surely he'd save the day if it weren't for the crazy machinations of Chicolini (Chico) and Pinky (Harpo), who constantly spoil his plans.

Huffington Post

When he tried to reschedule, in June, the gulf oil spill spoiled his plans.

The New York Times

He spoils those plans from the jump because they don't anticipate his pressure," Jent said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spoil plans" when you want to convey that something unexpected or undesirable has negatively impacted or ruined a set of arrangements or intentions. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "spoil plans" when the impact on the plans is minor or easily rectified. Opt for milder terms like "delay" or "alter" if the disruption is not severe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spoil plans" functions as a verb phrase, where "spoil" acts as a transitive verb taking "plans" as its direct object. It describes the act of ruining or disrupting previously made arrangements. Ludwig AI identifies that the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spoil plans" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the disruption or ruin of planned activities. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English writing. With a neutral register and high frequency, it's commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While highly effective in conveying disappointment or concern regarding disrupted plans, remember to consider the severity of the impact and opt for milder terms if the disturbance is not substantial. Consider alternatives like "ruin plans", "disrupt plans", or "thwart plans" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ruin plans

Emphasizes the destructive aspect, suggesting the plans are completely destroyed.

disrupt plans

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance of the plans, rather than complete destruction.

thwart plans

Highlights the prevention of plans from succeeding, often implying intentional opposition.

derail plans

Suggests that plans are forced off their intended course, similar to a train leaving its tracks.

sabotage plans

Implies deliberate and malicious action to undermine the plans.

undermine plans

Suggests a gradual weakening of the plans, making them less likely to succeed.

impede plans

Focuses on the obstruction or hindrance of the plans' progress.

frustrate plans

Highlights the feeling of annoyance and dissatisfaction resulting from the plans being unsuccessful.

hinder plans

Similar to impede, but can also suggest a more passive obstruction.

obstruct plans

Implies a direct blockage or impediment to the progress of the plans.

FAQs

How to use "spoil plans" in a sentence?

You can use "spoil plans" to describe how an unforeseen event disrupted or ruined existing arrangements. For example, "The sudden rain "ruined plans" for the outdoor concert."

What can I say instead of "spoil plans"?

You can use alternatives like "ruin plans", "disrupt plans", or "thwart plans" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "spoil plans" or "spoiling plans"?

"Spoil plans" is the base form, often used with modal verbs (e.g. 'could spoil plans'). "Spoiling plans" is the present participle, used in continuous tenses (e.g. 'is spoiling plans'). The correct form depends on the intended tense and grammatical structure.

What's the difference between "spoil plans" and "delay plans"?

"Spoil plans" suggests a more significant negative impact, potentially ruining the plans entirely. "Delay plans" indicates a temporary postponement, without necessarily ruining the plans.