to formulate a plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to formulate a plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of creating or developing a strategy or course of action. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, we need to formulate a plan that outlines our objectives and timelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

team, his older brothers began to formulate a plan for his future.

The New York Times - Sports

"The city desires and needs to formulate a plan; it is their only hope".

The New York Times

Ideational apraxia is characterized by the inability to formulate a plan of action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He sat down with paper and a pen to formulate a plan.

Independent

Taken together, these findings may help to formulate a plan for eliminating BLV from contaminated farms.

Virus Research

The following is a sample only; students work with their supervisory committee to formulate a plan.

Cornell University

After lunch, Warner was off to another meeting to formulate a plan to work around the Jets' aggressive linebackers.

The New York Times - Sports

And I'm going to formulate a plan that I think people are going to be happy with".

The New Yorker

So he set up a command post in his home and asked staffers to come over on Thursday, two days after the attack, to formulate a plan.

The New York Times

Since Sept. 11, the pressure to formulate a plan of action against Iraq has increased from members of Congress and other influential experts.

The New York Times

So while Scott and his coaches try to formulate a plan to slow Pierce, Martin knows that he is the first option.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to formulate a plan", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose and intended outcome of the plan. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using overly generic terms when describing the plan's components. Instead of saying, "We need to formulate a plan to improve things", be specific: "We need to formulate a plan to increase customer satisfaction through targeted marketing and improved customer service training".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to formulate a plan" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It commonly follows a verb indicating an action or decision that necessitates the development of a strategy. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to formulate a plan" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of creating a strategy or course of action. Ludwig AI analysis, based on a multitude of real-world examples, confirms its wide applicability across various domains, from news and media to academia and science. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by avoiding vague language and specifying the intended outcomes of the plan. Consider using alternatives like "to develop a strategy" or "to create a roadmap" to tailor your language to the specific context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate your intentions and strategies in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to develop a strategy

Focuses on the strategic aspect of planning, emphasizing a high-level approach.

to create a roadmap

Emphasizes the sequential and directional nature of the plan, like a journey.

to devise a scheme

Suggests a more detailed and potentially inventive plan, sometimes with a hint of cunning.

to design a blueprint

Implies a detailed and technical plan, often used in engineering or construction contexts.

to lay out a strategy

Highlights the act of presenting or explaining the plan in a clear and organized manner.

to establish a course of action

Emphasizes the practical steps and actions that will be taken.

to set up a framework

Focuses on creating a foundational structure for the plan, providing support and guidance.

to map out a project

Highlights the detailed organization and scheduling involved in managing a project.

to conceive a project

Stresses the initial idea and the mental creation of a plan.

to draft an outline

Focuses on the initial stage of creating a summary of the plan.

FAQs

How can I use "to formulate a plan" in a sentence?

You can use "to formulate a plan" to describe the act of creating a strategy or course of action. For example, "The team met to formulate a plan for the upcoming marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to "to formulate a plan"?

Alternatives include "to develop a strategy", "to create a roadmap", or "to devise a scheme", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to formulate a plan" or "to create a plan"?

"To formulate a plan" and "to create a plan" are both correct, but "to formulate a plan" often implies a more detailed and thoughtful process. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and formality of your writing.

What is the difference between "to formulate a plan" and "to implement a plan"?

"To formulate a plan" refers to the process of developing a strategy, while "to implement a plan" means putting that strategy into action. One precedes the other.