plan ahead
A2 neutral intransitive
In simple words
To think about the future and get ready for it before it happens.
Literal meaning: To plan for what is 'ahead' (in front of you in time) — largely transparent.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To make decisions and preparations in advance so that future events go smoothly.
"If you plan ahead, you can book cheaper flights and save a lot of money."
2 B1 neutral
To think strategically about long-term goals and prepare for them systematically.
"Successful businesses plan ahead by anticipating market trends years in advance."
Usage notes
Always intransitive. Very common in advice, management, and everyday contexts. Often used as a directive or recommendation ('you need to plan ahead'). Universally used in both British and American English. One of the most common phrasal verbs involving future preparation.
Commonly used with
retirement holiday future finances career meals
Forms
Base
plan ahead
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plans ahead
he/she/it
Past simple
planed ahead
yesterday
Past participle
planed ahead
have + pp
-ing form
planing ahead
continuous
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Synonyms
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