plan
/plæn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something: A "plan" is a set of decisions about how to do something in the future.
- A drawing or diagram showing the layout or function of something: A "plan" can be a detailed technical drawing, especially of a building or machine.
- An intention or decision about what one is going to do: A "plan" can be a personal aim or arrangement.
Verb:
- To decide on and arrange in advance: To "plan" means to think about and decide what you will do or how you will do something in the future.
- To design or make a drawing of something: To "plan" can mean to create a detailed design or diagram.
- To intend to do something: To "plan" can indicate a firm intention.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- We need to make a plan for the project. (We need to create a detailed proposal for the project.)
- The architect showed us the plans for the new house. (The architect showed us the detailed drawings for the new house.)
- My plan is to finish work early today. (My intention is to finish work early today.)
Verb:
- They are planning a surprise party for her. (They are arranging a surprise party for her in advance.)
- She planned the garden layout very carefully. (She designed the garden layout very carefully.)
- He plans to study abroad next year. (He intends to study abroad next year.)
Advanced Usage
To go according to plan: To happen as intended or scheduled.
- Fortunately, everything went according to plan. (Fortunately, everything happened as we intended.)
A game plan: A strategy for achieving a goal, often in sports or business.
- We need a new game plan to increase our market share. (We need a new strategy to increase our market share.)
To plan ahead: To make preparations for something a long time before it happens.
- It's wise to plan ahead for your retirement. (It is wise to make preparations for your retirement well in advance.)
Variants and Related Words
Planner (n): A person who makes plans or a book/calendar for organizing schedules.
- She is a great event planner. (She is very good at organizing events.)
- I wrote the appointment in my planner. (I wrote the appointment in my schedule book.)
Planning (n): The process of making plans for something.
- Urban planning is important for city development. (The process of designing cities is important for their development.)
Synonyms
- Noun: Scheme, strategy, blueprint, design, intention.
- Verb: Organize, arrange, design, intend, devise.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Plan for (something): To make preparations for a possible future event or situation.
- You should plan for unexpected expenses. (You should make preparations for costs you did not expect.)
Plan on (doing something): To intend to do something.
- I plan on visiting my family next month. (I intend to visit my family next month.)
Related Idioms
The best-laid plans (of mice and men often go awry): Even the most carefully made plans can fail.
- We had tickets, but the flight was canceled. The best-laid plans... (We had tickets, but the flight was canceled. Even careful plans can fail.)
To have a plan B: To have an alternative plan if the first one fails.
- Don't worry, if it rains, we have a plan B. (Don't worry, if it rains, we have an alternative arrangement.)
Noun
- scale drawing of a structure
- the plans for City Hall were on file
- an arrangement scheme
- the awkward design of the keyboard made operation difficult
- it was an excellent design for living
- a plan for seating guests
- a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
- they drew up a six-step plan
- they discussed plans for a new bond issue
Verb
- make a design of; plan out in systematic, often graphic form
- design a better mousetrap
- plan the new wing of the museum
- make or work out a plan for; devise
- They contrived to murder their boss
- design a new sales strategy
- plan an attack
- make plans for something
- He is planning a trip with his family
- have the will and intention to carry out some action
- He plans to be in graduate school next year
- The rebels had planned turmoil and confusion