English Reference

Word

plan

US/ˈpɫæn/

UK/plˈæn/

Definitions

01intended actions

A1 · Beginner Countable noun

n. a set of steps you have decided to take to achieve something.

n. a scheme or method of acting, often involving a sequence of steps intended to achieve a specific objective.

“We have a plan to travel around Europe next summer.”

“The management team developed a comprehensive plan to restructure the department without affecting the current production schedule.”

Pitfall

I have a plan for go to the cinema.

I have a plan to go to the cinema.

Use 'to' followed by the base verb when describing the action you plan to do.

02technical drawing

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a drawing that shows the shape and size of a building or room from above.

n. a scale drawing of a structure or machine, specifically a horizontal section showing the layout of a floor.

“The architect showed us the floor plans for our new house.”

“Before construction could begin, the city council required a detailed site plan showing the location of all existing trees and utilities.”

03service subscription

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a specific arrangement for a service, like a phone or internet contract.

n. a specific arrangement or tier of service offered by a provider, often involving a recurring fee.

“I need to change my mobile phone plan because I use too much data.”

“The software company offers a basic plan for individuals and a more expensive enterprise plan for large corporations.”

04to intend

A1 · Beginner

v. to decide what you are going to do in the future.

v. to intend or arrange for something to happen in the future. Often used with an infinitive object.

“They are planning to get married in the spring.”

“The urban development committee is planning to convert the abandoned industrial site into a public park and community garden.”

Synonyms

05to design

A2 · Elementary

v. to think about and organize the details of something before it happens.

v. to devise or design the details of a project, event, or structure in advance.

“She spent the whole afternoon planning the surprise party.”

“The engineers spent months planning the bridge's construction to ensure it could withstand extreme weather conditions.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “plan” in context.

01. plan to sell 02. plans to continue 03. plans to make 04. plan to end 05. plans for a new 06. plans to launch 07. plans to free 08. alternative plan 09. contingency plan 10. detailed plan 11. future plan 12. plans agreed

Word family

Related words

Idioms

Grammar

Domains

MilitaryNautical

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/plan

English Reference