make a plan — plan
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to decide what you are going to do and how you will do it, usually for something important or in the future
Say it like a native
Textbook We must formulate a plan for the weekend.
Native Let's make a plan for the weekend.
Natives 'make a plan'; 'formulate a plan' is corporate and heavy for everyday talk.
Pattern: make a plan (to do something) / make plans (for something)
In use
- We need to make a plan for our summer holiday before the prices go up.daily life
- In my opinion, it's important to make a plan before starting a big project because it helps you stay organized and avoid problems.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ We did a plan for the trip.
✓ We made a plan for the trip.
You MAKE a plan, not 'do' one.
Common collocations
make a plan— make, a plan to, make plans, have a plan
Don't confuse it
'Make a plan' is about creating or organizing something for the future. 'Follow a plan' means doing what you have already decided.