Definition

1. 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.

2. 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

1. scale drawing of a structure
   • the plans for City Hall were on file
2. an arrangement scheme
   • the awkward design of the keyboard made operation difficult
   • it was an excellent design for living
   • a plan for seating guests
3. 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

1. make a design of; plan out in systematic, often graphic form
   • design a better mousetrap
   • plan the new wing of the museum
2. make or work out a plan for; devise
   • They contrived to murder their boss
   • design a new sales strategy
   • plan an attack
3. make plans for something
   • He is planning a trip with his family
4. 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