vicious plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vicious plan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a scheme or strategy that is cruel, malicious, or intended to cause harm. Example: "The villain devised a vicious plan to take over the city, leaving chaos in his wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the reality is also not the sensationalist characterization of a cold, unempathetic loner capable of waking up one day and killing dozens of strangers as part of a calculated, vicious plan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We think that the terrorists by now consider them slaves and they have vicious plans for them," Amin told The Associated Press.

The Guardian

We hear about the all-night ragers and scenic views instead, which makes it easy for people like Rodger to hide amongst the masses and harbor vicious plans.

Huffington Post

Zelaya, who continues denouncing the coup from Costa Rica, outlined the long term threat to Honduran and U.S. interests in the region, "I think this is a vicious plot planned by elites.

Huffington Post

The message Alexander wants voters to hear is clear: the Lib Dems blocked the most vicious Tory plans.

The Guardian

Labour seized on the report to claim that the Coalition was planning "vicious cuts on the poorest" as ministers decided where to wield the axe on public spending this year.

Independent

Rousing him takes the coming of Bane (Tom Hardy), a vicious villain who plans to destroy the rich in order to raise the poor.

Huffington Post

And your tiredness as a result of these things is a bit of a vicious circle––too tired to plan healthier food, too tired to plan a diet program, too tired to get up and exercise, and on and on it goes.

WikiHow

Under pressure from higher authorities to meet birth targets, local officials had launched a vicious crackdown on family-planning violators.

The Guardian - Books

The police allege that the five accused men and a sixth teenager, who is being tried as a juvenile, committed a premeditated, vicious crime that included plans to kill their victim.

The New York Times

The ostensible premise of the novel is the vicious political battle over plans to redraw the municipal boundaries after the death of a parish councilor opens up the possibility that a nearby housing project could be shunted to a different district, a goal dear to the heart of Pagford's snobs.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "vicious plan", ensure the context clearly establishes the malicious or harmful intent behind the plan. This will add emphasis to the severity of the scheme.

Common error

Avoid using "vicious plan" in contexts where the negativity isn't explicitly present. This phrase carries a strong negative connotation and should be reserved for situations involving genuine malice or cruelty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vicious plan" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "vicious" modifies the noun "plan". It is used to describe the nature of the plan.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vicious plan" is used to describe a scheme or strategy characterized by cruelty and a malicious intent. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, mainly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly reflects the harmful and malicious nature of the plan. Related phrases include "malicious scheme" and "cruel plot", which emphasize the ill intent and heartless nature of the plan, respectively. Avoid overusing "vicious plan" in neutral contexts, as its strong negative connotation can be inappropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malicious scheme

Focuses on the ill intent behind the plan.

cruel plot

Emphasizes the heartless nature of the plan.

ruthless strategy

Highlights the lack of compassion in the approach.

nefarious design

Implies an evil and wicked intention.

wicked scheme

Emphasizes the immorality of the plan.

evil plot

Stresses the inherently bad nature of the plan.

devious strategy

Focuses on the cunning and underhanded methods involved.

barbaric plan

Highlights the extreme cruelty and lack of civilization in the plan.

brutal scheme

Emphasizes the harshness and violence associated with the plan.

fiendish plot

Suggests a plan that is devilishly clever and cruel.

FAQs

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

You can use "vicious plan" to describe a scheme or strategy intended to cause harm or suffering. For example, "The villain devised a "vicious plan" to destroy the city".

What are some alternatives to "vicious plan"?

Some alternatives include "malicious scheme", "cruel plot", or "ruthless strategy", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "vicious plan"?

It is appropriate when describing a plan that is deliberately harmful, cruel, or intended to cause significant damage or suffering. The phrase carries a strong negative connotation.

What is the difference between a "vicious plan" and a "bad plan"?

A "bad plan" simply implies that a plan is ineffective or poorly conceived. A "vicious plan", on the other hand, is intentionally malicious and designed to cause harm or suffering.