Understanding the Difference Between "Plan to" and "Plan on + -ing" in English

You know how in English, even phrases that seem really similar can have these tiny little differences that change the way they feel? Well, "plan to" and "plan on + -ing" are a perfect example of that! They both talk about what you intend to do in the future, but there's a subtle vibe that sets them apart, and understanding it can really boost your fluency and how well you understand others.

So, in this blog post, we're going to dive deep into what each of these expressions really means, how they're typically used in different situations, and we'll look at tons of practical examples to help you feel totally confident using them yourself. Let's unlock the secrets of "plan to" and "plan on + -ing"!

What Does "Plan to" Mean?

The phrase "plan to" is straightforward and commonly used to express a future intention or goal. It simply indicates what someone intends to do, without implying any progress or preparation toward the action. 

Structure:

-Plan to + base verb**

Example Sentences:

1. I plan to visit Paris next summer.
   (This means you have the intention to visit Paris, but there’s no indication of preparation yet.)
2. She plans to start a new job next month.
   ( shows her intention to begin working, but no further details are provided.)

Key Point:

• "Plan to" focuses on the intention itself, not the process or progress toward achieving it.

What Does "Plan on + -ing" Mean?

The phrase "plan on + -ing" is slightly different. It implies that the speaker has already started preparing or has taken steps toward achieving their goal. The preposition "on" adds a sense of attachment or involvement, suggesting that the plan is more concrete or underway### Structure:

• Plan on + verb ending in -ing

Example Sentences:

1. I’m planning on visiting Paris next summer.
   (This suggests that you’ve already started preparing for the trip, such as booking flights or accommodations.)
2. She’s planning on starting a new job next month.
   (This implies that has already taken steps, like signing a contract or completing interviews.) 
   
   
   

Key Point:

• "Plan on + -ing" conveys a stronger sense of commitment or preparation compared to "plan to".

Comparing "Plan to" vs. "Plan on + -ing"

To better understand the difference, let’s compare the two phrases in similar contexts:

Practical Examples in Everyday Conversations

Here are some real-life scenarios to illustrate the difference:

Scenario 1: Vacation Planning

• Plan to: "I plan to go to Hawaii this summer."
  (You’re considering the trip but haven’t made any arrangements yet.)
• Plan on + -ing: "I’m planning on going to Hawaii this summer."
  (You’ve already booked your flight or started researching hotels.)

Scenario 2: Career Goals

• Plan to: "I plan to apply for a job at Google."
  (You’re thinking about applying but haven’t started the process.)
• Plan on + -ing: "I’m planning on applying for a job at Google."
  (You’ve already updated your resume or started filling out the application.)

Tips for English Learners

1. Use "plan to" for general intentions.
   If you’re simply expressing what you want to do, stick with "plan to".

2. Use "plan on + -ing" for more concrete plans.
   If you’ve already started preparing or taking steps, use "plan on + -ing".

3. Practice with real-life examples.
   Think about your own plans and try using both expressions to describe them.

4. Pay attention to context.
   Native speakers often use "plan on + -ing" when they’ve already made progress toward their goal.
   
   These tips are clear, actionable, and highlight the key differences effectively!

Why Is This Important for English Learners?

Grasping the subtle distinctions between "plan to" and "plan on + -ing" is a key step towards sounding more natural and fluent in English. Native speakers often opt for "plan on + -ing" to underscore their commitment or the fact that they've already started preparing, whereas "plan to" tends to convey more general or less concrete intentions. By mastering these nuances, you'll significantly enhance your ability to express yourself accurately and with greater confidence.

Don't Miss This! 🎁

The relationship between "keep + -ing" and "keep on + -ing" is quite similar to the nuance you see with "plan to" and "plan on + -ing," although perhaps even more subtle.

Here's how I see it:

• Keep + -ing (General Continuation): This is the more common and often shorter way to express that an action is continuing without stopping. It's a straightforward statement of ongoing activity.

  • Example: "She kept talking." (She continued to talk.)

• Keep on + -ing (Emphasis on Persistence or Continuation Despite Obstacles): Adding "on" often adds a layer of emphasis to the continuation. It can suggest that the action is happening persistently, perhaps even in the face of some difficulty, interruption, or a reason to stop. It can also sometimes simply emphasize the duration of the action.

  • Example: "She kept on talking even though no one was listening." (She persisted in talking despite the lack of an audience.)
  • Example: "He kept on working until late into the night." (He continued working for a long time.)

The Parallel to "Plan to" vs. "Plan on + -ing":

Just like "plan on + -ing" can suggest a more concrete plan with steps already taken, "keep on + -ing" can sometimes emphasize a more determined or persistent continuation of an action. "Keep + -ing" is the general form, similar to the general intention of "plan to." Adding "on" adds a bit more weight, similar to how "plan on + -ing" adds a sense of commitment or progress.

However, the difference between "keep + -ing" and "keep on + -ing" is often less pronounced than the difference between the two planning phrases. In many everyday situations, they can be used interchangeably without a significant change in meaning. Native speakers might choose one over the other based on a subtle feeling or the rhythm of the sentence.

In short, yes, I think there's a similar underlying idea of general vs. slightly more emphasized or concrete action/intention at play with both pairs of phrases. The addition of the preposition ("on") tends to add a bit more weight or specificity.

Practice Like a Native Speaker

The key to mastering these expressions is not just understanding them but being able to recognize them in natural speech. Native speakers often subtly emphasize different parts of the phrases depending on the context:

"I plan to go" → can sound like "I plan tuh go" (with a reduced "to") "I'm planning on going" → can sound like "I'm plannin' on goin'" (with reduced "ing" sounds) "Do you plan to visit?" → can sound like "D'you plan tuh visit?" "What are you planning on doing?" → can sound like "Whatcha plannin' on doin'?"

Pay attention to how native speakers use these phrases in movies, TV shows, and podcasts to get a feel for the natural rhythm and emphasis.

Common Mistakes with "Plan To" and "Plan On + -ing"

1. Using "plan on + infinitive": Incorrectly following "plan on" with the base form of the verb instead of the -ing form (e.g., "I plan on go").
2. Using "plan to + -ing": Incorrectly using the -ing form after "plan to" (e.g., "I plan to going").
3. Interchanging them without considering the level of commitment: Using "plan to" when the plan is already quite concrete and preparations have begun, or vice versa.
4. Overthinking the nuance and choosing the wrong one due to analysis paralysis: Sometimes the difference is subtle, leading to unnecessary hesitation.
5. Not paying attention to the verb after "plan on": Forgetting to use the -ing form.
6. Using "plan on" for very general, immediate future intentions: "Plan to" often sounds more natural for simple future actions.
7. Applying direct translation from their native language: The nuances might not align with equivalent expressions in their first language.
8. Not practicing the spoken forms: Being able to recognize and use the reduced pronunciations in natural speech.
9. Focusing too much on strict rules and not enough on natural usage: Language often has flexibility, and native speakers might not always adhere to a rigid distinction.
10. Ignoring the context of the conversation: Not considering whether the speaker wants to emphasize commitment or just state an intention.

Quiz: Test Your Understanding of "Plan To" and "Plan On + -ing"

Choose the best phrase to complete each sentence:

1. I _______ visit my family next month. a) plan to b) plan on to c) plan on visit
2. She's _______ moving to a new city next year. a) plan to b) planning to c) planning on to
3. What do you _______ do this weekend? a) plan on b) plan to c) planning on
4. They are _______ starting their own business. a) plan to b) planning to c) plan on start
5. We _______ having a picnic in the park if the weather is nice. a) plan to b) plan on to have c) plan on having
6. Are you _______ traveling abroad this summer? a) plan to b) planning to c) plan on to travel
7. He _______ studying for the exam all night. a) plans to b) plans on study c) plans on studying
8. I _______ learning a new language. a) plan to b) plan on to learn c) plan on learn
9. She's _______ applying for that job. a) plan to b) planning to c) plan on apply
10. Do they _______ sell their house? a) plan to b) plan on to sell c) plan on sell

Quiz Answers:

1. a) plan to
2. b) planning to
3. a) plan on
4. b) planning to
5. c) plan on having
6. c) plan on traveling
7. c) plans on studying
8. a) plan to
9. b) planning to
10. a) plan to

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About "Plan To" and "Plan On + -ing"

1. What is the basic difference between "plan to" and "plan on + -ing"? "Plan to" is for general intentions, while "plan on + -ing" often suggests more concrete plans or preparations.
2. Do they always have different meanings? Not strictly. In some casual contexts, they might be used interchangeably, but the nuance of commitment often remains.
3. Is "plan on + infinitive" grammatically correct? No, "plan on" should be followed by a gerund (-ing form).
4. Can I use "plan on" for immediate future actions? "Plan to" usually sounds more natural for very immediate or simple future intentions.
5. Does using "plan on + -ing" make my plans sound more serious? Yes, it often implies a higher level of commitment or that you've already started taking steps.
6. Is one form more formal than the other? "Plan to" might be perceived as slightly more formal in some contexts, but both are common in everyday English.
7. How can I remember which one to use? Think of the "-ing" in "plan on + -ing" as indicating ongoing preparation or a more solid plan.
8. Do native speakers always strictly follow this distinction? While the general tendency holds, native speakers may sometimes use them interchangeably, especially in informal speech.
9. Are there any other phrases similar to "plan on + -ing"? Yes, "be thinking of + -ing" or "be considering + -ing" also suggest a degree of planning or intention.
10. How important is it to get this distinction exactly right? While understanding the nuance improves your English, using the "wrong" one will likely not lead to major misunderstandings. However, using the correct form will make your English sound more natural.

Real-Life Scenarios Using "Plan To" and "Plan On + -ing"

1. Casual Conversation about the Weekend:

   Friend A: "What are you doing this weekend?" Friend B: "I plan to relax at home. Maybe watch some movies." (General intention) Later: "Actually, I'm planning on going to that new exhibit downtown. Sarah got tickets, so it's happening." (More concrete plan with arrangements made)

2. Work Meeting:

   Manager: "So, what's the plan for the next quarter, team?" Team Member: "We plan to focus on expanding our marketing efforts." (General intention) Later: "We're planning on launching three new ad campaigns in July and August. The creatives are already in development." (Concrete plan with steps in progress)

3. Travel:

   You: "I plan to travel next year. I haven't decided where yet." (General intention) Later: "I'm planning on visiting Italy in the spring. I've already started looking at flights and hotels." (Concrete plan with initial steps taken)

4. Studying:

   Student A: "What are your plans for after class?" Student B: "I plan to study for the history test." (General intention) Later: "I'm planning on spending at least three hours in the library tonight. I really need to focus." (More concrete plan with a specific timeframe)

5. Personal Goals:

   You: "I plan to get in better shape this year." (General intention) Later: "I'm planning on joining a gym next week. I even went and checked one out yesterday." (Concrete plan with action taken)

Key Takeaway

While both "plan to" and "plan on + -ing" express future intentions, "plan on + -ing" often carries a stronger sense of commitment, preparation, or progress already made towards the goal. Use "plan to" for more general intentions, and switch to "plan on + -ing" when your plans become more concrete and you've started taking action. Paying attention to how native speakers use these phrases in context will further refine your understanding and make your English sound more natural.

Wrapping It Up: The Plan on Plan To

References &

Here are some resources to deepen your understanding of English grammar and expressions:

1. Oxford English Dictionary
2. Merriam-Webster Dictionary
3. Cambridge Dictionary
4. British Council - Learn English
5. Purdue OWL - Writing & Grammar
6. BBC Learning English