to plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to plan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of making arrangements or decisions about future actions or events. Example: "We need to plan our strategy for the upcoming project to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't Fail To Plan.

WikiHow

Why bother to plan?

The New York Times - Books

To plan, to plot".

The New Yorker

Individual cities love to plan.

The Economist

You have to plan ahead.

Independent

Everything went according to plan.

The New York Times

Emboldened, Johnson began to plan.

The New Yorker

But nothing went quite to plan.

Independent

Everything went to plan in there".

Independent

Wars don't go according to plan.

The New Yorker

He had no games to plan for.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to plan", consider the specific context to choose a verb that accurately reflects the type of planning involved, such as strategizing, scheduling, or intending.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the ideal scenario. Always consider potential obstacles and create backup plans. Effective planning involves anticipating potential problems and devising solutions in advance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to plan" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It is used to express the action of making arrangements or formulating intentions for future events. The examples from Ludwig showcase this usage in various contexts, supporting its fundamental role in indicating purpose or intention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to plan" is a versatile and commonly used infinitive phrase indicating the act of making arrangements or forming intentions for the future. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It's found across various contexts, including news, general writing, and formal business settings. When using "to plan", consider the specific nuance you want to convey and explore related phrases like "to make arrangements" or "to devise a strategy" to enhance your writing. Also, remember to anticipate potential challenges and incorporate contingency plans for robust and effective planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make arrangements

Focuses on the act of organizing and preparing for something.

to devise a strategy

Implies a more thoughtful and calculated approach to planning.

to lay out a plan

Emphasizes the detailed and structured nature of the planning process.

to formulate a scheme

Suggests a more creative or inventive approach to planning, sometimes with a hint of intrigue.

to develop a project

Specifically relates to planning the steps for a particular undertaking.

to map out a course of action

Highlights the strategic and directional aspect of planning.

to intend

Focuses on the aim or purpose behind the planning.

to design

Implies a structured and creative approach to planning.

to schedule

Focuses on the temporal organization of planning.

to prepare

Emphasizes readiness and anticipation in the planning process.

FAQs

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

You can use "to plan" to describe the act of making arrangements or decisions about future actions or events. For example, "We need "to plan" our vacation carefully this year".

What are some alternatives to "to plan"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to organize", "to arrange", or "to schedule".

Is it always necessary "to plan" ahead?

While spontaneity can be enjoyable, planning ahead is often crucial for achieving goals, managing resources effectively, and avoiding potential problems. Consider the specific situation to determine the appropriate balance.

What's the difference between "to plan" and "to strategize"?

"To plan" is a general term for making arrangements, while "to strategize" implies a more deliberate and calculated approach, often involving long-term goals and competitive considerations.