English Collocation Series: 12 Verbs that Collocate with “Plan”

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Photo Credit: Right Brain Planning by Teresa Robinson

It’s that time of year when businesses are busy planning the year ahead. Some businesses can look forward to some good news over the next few months, whilst others are in the middle of making some difficult decisions.
A number of my clients are in this very position at present. As I was discussing their business plans for 2015 with them and I was sharing  some new vocabulary, it occurred to me that we have many verbs that are  frequently used to collocate with the word “plan”. And as I don’t want you, my readers to feel left out, I thought this would be an ideal opportunity to list these verbs here. The examples I’m going to give are related to the business world. So here goes..
1. Abandon
Sometimes, with the best will in the world you need to abandon a plan you have been working on. This could be for a number of reasons. Perhaps the plan is too costly, it is no longer needed or you simply don’t have the time to do it, for example, a plan to sail around the world.
2. Cancel
Similarly, you may have to cancel your plan to merge your business with a competitor. Perhaps there were too many differences between the two businesses that could not be solved.
3. Devise
As a business you are losing market share to a competitor. You get together with your team and try and devise a plan on how you can regain your position in the market.
4. Formulate
Having discussed matters over a number of days or weeks, you and your marketing team have now formulated a plan on how you are going to win back market share.
5. Implement
So, now that you have formulated the plan, it’s very important that you choose the right people to implement the plan to ensure its success.
6. Make
The most frequently used verb with the word plan. I don’t know about you, but I am forever making plans for my business. Some plans work, others don’t.
7. Oppose
Much as you would like people to agree with you, there are always going to be moments when people, clients or colleagues, oppose your plans, especially if they are unpopular plans like a pay cut or higher prices!

Photo Credit: Cayobo

8. Outline
You may have a great idea for a project and in most cases you will need to call a meeting so that you can outline your proposed plan.
9. Scrap
Sometimes, we have to scrap plans especially if they end up being too expensive or unpopular with clients or shareholders.
10. Shelve
Or perhaps, it’s not the right time for this plan so you may decide to shelve it for the present time. When things are better, you may go back to it and use it.
11. Unveil
When governments need to inform people of their plans, they often hold a press conference to unveil these plans.
12. Work Out
In these difficult, economic times, many businesses are working out their business plans for 2015.
Do you run a business? What is your business plan for 2015? Have they been implemented yet?
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Ciao for now
Shanthi