work according to plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work according to plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing tasks or projects that are progressing as intended or following a predetermined strategy. Example: "Despite the challenges we faced, we managed to work according to plan and meet our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But the public body which represents the patient voice, the Patient Client Council, said the system did not always work according to plan.

BBC

The justification may be the dominance of volatile energy sources (wind and solar) or the necessity to have a backup if local or regional energy resources do not work according to plan.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

"You've been part of the fabric of that whole environment and when things don't quite work according to plan, the success factor, you do not see the things that I know fans enjoy, it's always pretty worrying.

BBC

"Sometimes the genetic engineering doesn't quite work according to plan".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

If all works according to plan, a virtuous circle could come into existence.

The New York Times

If it all works according to plan, it could make Rio a model of data-driven city management.

The New York Times

But Dr. Curtis said the Pentagon would not be the only user if all worked according to plan.

The New York Times - Tech

By the end of the night, it will turn entirely red or blue depending on who has won the election (assuming it works according to plan).

The Guardian

My colleague on The New York Times National Desk, John Schwartz, who knows every inch of those flood projects, reports this morning that they are working according to plan under Hurricane Isaac.

The New York Times

If it works according to plan, this should save considerable time spent with each customer.

TechCrunch

Still, if everything works according to plan, Geode backers should be in for a real treat by the time summer rolls around.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work according to plan" when you want to emphasize the adherence to a predetermined strategy or schedule, especially in project management or progress reporting contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "work according to plan" excessively in a single document. Vary your language with synonyms like "proceed as scheduled" or "go as expected" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work according to plan" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed, meaning that something is progressing or being executed in alignment with a previously established strategy or schedule. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "work according to plan" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to describe actions or projects that are progressing as intended. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a range of contexts, but especially prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business settings. To maintain writing variety, consider using alternatives like "proceed as scheduled" or "go as expected". While versatile, overuse should be avoided to prevent repetition and keep your writing engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceed as scheduled

This alternative focuses on the timing aspect, emphasizing that progress is happening at the intended pace.

go as expected

This alternative highlights the alignment between the actual outcome and the anticipated outcome.

unfold as intended

This alternative emphasizes the sequential nature of events happening in the desired manner.

progress according to expectations

This alternative is a more formal way of saying that progress is in line with what was predicted.

operate as designed

This alternative suggests that a system or process is functioning in the way it was originally created to function.

execute as planned

This alternative stresses the active implementation of a pre-established plan.

materialize as anticipated

This alternative focuses on the actual realization of predicted outcomes.

turn out as envisioned

This alternative stresses the realization of a particular end that was initially imagined.

come to fruition as hoped

This alternative carries a sense of optimism and achievement of a desired outcome.

align with the blueprint

This alternative suggests a close conformance to a detailed and carefully constructed strategic design.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "work according to plan"?

Alternatives include "proceed as scheduled", "go as expected", or "unfold as intended". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is "working according to plan"?

It means that events or tasks are progressing as originally anticipated or intended, with no significant deviations from the established schedule or strategy.

Is it appropriate to use "work according to plan" in formal writing?

Yes, "work according to plan" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in business or technical contexts where precise communication is essential. Consider alternatives like "progress according to expectations" for a more sophisticated tone.

What is the difference between "working according to plan" and "working as expected"?

"Working according to plan" emphasizes adherence to a pre-defined strategy or schedule. "Working as expected" focuses on the outcome being in line with general predictions, even if the specific steps weren't meticulously planned. The phrase "go as expected" may be more suitable in situations without a formal plan.