SpeakUp

Grammar fix

make a plan

plan

to decide what you are going to do and how you will do it, usually for something important or in the future

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • 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

Fix the pattern

Pattern: make a plan (to do something) / make plans (for something)

WrongWe did a plan for the trip.

RightWe made a plan for the trip.

You MAKE a plan, not 'do' one.

Patternmake a plan (to do something) / make plans (for something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff We must formulate a plan for the weekend.

Natural Let's make a plan for the weekend.

Natives 'make a plan'; 'formulate a plan' is corporate and heavy for everyday talk.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • make a plan
    makea plan tomake planshave 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.

Try it in Daily Speak →