# plan for sth

CEFR A1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plan-for-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

To make arrangements for something that will happen in the future.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We are planning on our retirement." but "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').

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.