Phrasal verb
plan for sth
Definition
phrasal verb. To make arrangements for something that will happen in the future.
phrasal verb. To make preparations for an anticipated future event or situation. This is a prepositional verb where 'for' introduces the object of the preparation.
Examples
“We need to plan for our trip next month.”
“The company is planning for future growth by hiring more staff.”
“Emergency services must constantly plan for a wide range of potential disasters, from earthquakes to major power outages.”
Examples
simple
“We need to plan for our trip next month.”
contextual
“The company is planning for future growth by hiring more staff.”
complex
“Emergency services must constantly plan for a wide range of potential disasters, from earthquakes to major power outages.”
Usage
Typically followed by a future event, a period of time, or a potential problem.
Teaching tip
Contrast 'plan for something' (prepare for it) with 'plan something' (decide its details); you plan a party, but you plan for a rainy day.
Pitfall
We are planning on our retirement.
We are planning for our retirement.
Use 'for' when preparing for a future state or event; 'plan on' is used with an action (e.g., 'plan on retiring').
Phrasal verb
Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
plan + for + object