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What is Plan in English? The correct usage of Plan in English!
Plan is a familiar English vocabulary, especially commonly used in daily communication. So, "What is Plan in English?" and "How to use Plan in English correctly?" Let's explore the detailed understanding of Plan in English in today's article with PREP!

I. What is Plan in English?
What is Plan in English? Let's explore the definition and some words/phrases associated with Plan in English!
1. Definition
What is Plan in English? According to the Cambridge dictionary, Plan is pronounced as /plæn/. It can be a verb and a noun with various meanings in different contexts. Specifically, as follows:
What is Plan in English? |
Example |
|
Part of speech |
Meaning |
|
Verb |
(sometimes with on) to intend (to do something) |
|
to decide how something is to be done; to arrange (something) |
|
|
to design (a building, town etc) |
|
|
Noun |
an idea of how to do something; a method of doing something |
|
an intention or arrangement |
|
|
a drawing, diagram showing a building, town as if seen from above |
|
So, have you found the answer to the question "What is Plan in English?" with PREP? With the mentioned meanings, pay attention to the appropriate usage based on different English contexts!

2. Words and phrases used with Plan in English
After understanding the definition of Plan, let's refer to the words and phrases commonly used with Plan to emphasize its meaning!
2.1. Verb used with Plan in English

Verb used with Plan in English |
Example |
have plans |
|
change a plan |
|
abandon/ give up/ scrap a plan |
|
cancel a plan |
|
shelve a plan |
|
make a plan |
|
come up with a plan |
|
devise/ formulate/ draw up a plan |
|
carry out a plan |
|
keep to/ stick to a plan |
|
announce/ unveil a plan |
|
approve a plan |
|
reject a plan |
|
outline a plan |
|
implement a plan |
|
draw a plan |
|
2.2. Nouns used with Plan in English

Noun used with Plan in English |
Example |
street plan |
|
city plan |
|
floor plan |
|
seating plan |
|
pension plan |
|
retirement plan |
|
savings plan |
|
2.3. Adjectives used with Plan in English

Adjectives used with Plan in English |
Example |
somebody’s immediate plans |
|
ambitious plan |
|
alternative plan |
|
audacious plan |
|
detailed plan |
|
cunning/ clever/ ingenious plan |
|
a five-year/ ten-year etc plan |
|
grand plan |
|
master plan |
|
business plan |
|
peace plan |
|
rescue plan |
|
2.4. Prepositions used with Plan in English

Prepositions used with Plan in English |
Example |
plan for |
|
plan on |
|
plan out |
|
2.5. Phrases used with Plan in English

Phrases used with Plan in English |
Example |
go according to plan |
|
a plan of action |
|
a plan of attack |
|
a plan of campaign |
|
(it) sounds like a plan (to me) |
|
make a plan |
|
Please remember the words/phrases associated with Plan in English in the above table to use them accurately!
II. Usage of Plan in English
So, how to use Plan in English? Let's grasp the structures of Plan in English when it functions as a verb in English:
Structure |
Example |
Subject + plan + to V |
|
Subject + plan + Adverb/ preposition + V-ing/ something |
|
After learning the structures of Plan in English in the table above, you must have distinguished and understood the difference between Plan to V and Plan Ving, right?

III. Synonyms of Plan in English
In addition to the phrase "What is Plan in English?", we can flexibly use other synonyms to replace Plan in different situations. Let's explore some synonyms of Plan in English!

Synonyms of Plan in English |
Example |
scheme /skiːm/ |
The detective uncovered a criminal scheme involving money laundering and fraud. |
schedule /ˈʃedjuːl/ |
The project manager created a detailed schedule outlining the milestones. |
blueprint /ˈbluː.prɪnt/ |
The business owner developed a blueprint for success. |
intention /in'tenʃn/ |
She had no intention of quitting her job despite the challenges she faced. |
purpose /'pə:pəs/ |
The purpose of the charity event was to raise funds for a local orphanage. |
aim /eim/ |
The organization's aim is to provide access to quality education for underprivileged children. |
make arrangements /meɪk əˈreɪndʒmənt/ |
They need to make arrangements for their upcoming trip. |
make preparations /meɪk ˌprepəˈreɪʃn/ |
Before the guests arrive, she needs to make preparations for the dinner party. |
intend /ɪnˈtend/ |
She intends to pursue a career in medicine. |
design /dɪˈzaɪn/ |
The architect was responsible for the design of the new office building. |
map /mæp/ |
The tourist used a map to find popular landmarks. |
drawing /ˈdrewːɪŋ/ |
The engineer made a technical drawing to illustrate specifications of a new product. |
IV. Distinguishing Plan and Schedule
Many learners often confuse Plan and Schedule and use them inappropriately in certain contexts. Let's differentiate between Schedule and Plan!
Plan |
Schedule |
|
Similarity |
Both convey the meaning of “to decide how something is to be done; to arrange (something).” | |
Difference |
Plan is used to describe an action that has a specific goal and lists detailed tasks to achieve that goal in the future. |
Schedule is used to describe planned actions in order to allocate resources (time, location, personnel) to make the goals and tasks outlined in the plan a reality. |
Example |
|
|
After understanding the difference in nuances between Schedule and Plan, pay attention to using them accurately in different English contexts!

V. Exercises on using Plan in English with answers
After learning the definition of Plan in English and its accompanying structures, let's work on a small exercise provided by PREP to practice using the structure of Plan and fully understand how to use Plan in English!
Exercise: Put the correct form of the verbs in brackets
1. They plan _______ (adopt) a rescue dog from the local shelter.
2. We are planning on _______ (go) skiing in the mountains this winter.
3. Sarah plans on _______ (study) abroad for a semester during her junior year.
4. My parents plan _______ (renovate) our kitchen next month.
5. The company plans _______ (expand) its operations into international markets.
6. The team is planning on _______ (implement) a new software system to streamline their workflow.
Answer:
1. to adopt |
2. going |
3. studying |
4. to renovate |
5. to expand |
6. implementing |
VI. Your Ultimate Guide to IELTS Success
Now you have a clear understanding of "What is Plan in English?" and "How to use Plan in English?", right? This article has compiled all the theoretical knowledge about Plan in English, along with providing common synonyms and words/phrases associated with Plan. If you’re aiming for a high IELTS band score, PREP will equip you with proven strategies, expert tips, and practice plans to succeed.
- IELTS preparation online: Score Big in IELTS With Our Expert Tips!

Hi I'm Hien, and I am currently serving as an Product Content Administrator at Prep Education. With over five years of experience in independent online IELTS study and exam preparation, I am confident in my ability to support learners in achieving their highest possible scores.
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