Meaning
Use "planning" when you want to tell someone you are currently in the process of organizing/arranging something. It refers to something that is expected to happen in the future.
Today's Sentences
- We’re planning for a trip.
- We’re planning on having a baby.
- We’re planning on baking a cake.
- We’re planning to eat out tonight.
- We’re planning for a surprise party.
- Writer's Note
01
We’re planning for a trip.
Situation 1
We’re planning for a trip.
Really?
Where to?
We want to go to Mexico and enjoy the beautiful weather.
That’s great.
It’s nice to get away from the bitter cold.
Situation 2
What were you two talking about?
We’re planning for a trip.
How nice!
Do you know where you wanna go?
That’s the thing, we can’t decide.
We’re torn between Thailand and The Bahamas.
02
We’re planning on having a baby.
Situation 1
How have you been since your firstborn?
I’ve been doing really well.
I’ve finally got a routine going.
That’s great! It takes time but we all sort of adjust.
Anything new for the future?
We’re planning on having another baby.
Situation 2
So what are your future plans?
Well, we’re planning on having a baby.
That’s such great news!
Are they just plans or are you far along in pregnancy?
We’re thinking of going to a clinic for pre-pregnancy planning.
03
We’re planning on baking a cake.
Situation 1
What are you doing for her birthday?
We’re planning on baking a cake.
Will the kids decorate it?
That’s the plan.
It’s going to be a mess but I think she’ll be so happy that we made her something.
Situation 2
Is there a new menu brewing?
We’re planning on baking a cake.
We’ll see how popular it is and decide if it’ll be a permanent addition.
What a great idea.
Coffee and cake are a great pairing.
I'm hoping for positive reviews.
04
We’re planning to eat out tonight.
Situation 1
I’m starving.
Is there anything to eat?
There’s pizza in the freezer.
We’re not eating together?
I have a date and we’re planning to eat out tonight.
Situation 2
What do you want to have for dinner?
We’re planning to eat out tonight.
We?
You already decided for us?
I did.
We’re going to a nice restaurant.
05
We’re planning for a surprise party.
Situation 1
What should we do for her birthday?
We’re planning for a surprise party.
Really?
Is there anything I can do to help?
It would be super helpful if you got some balloons.
Situation 2
We’re planning for a surprise party.
Count me in.
What can I do?
Do you know where we can get a big banner printed?
Actually, I know someone who does large vinyl banners.
I’ll give you his number.
Writer's Note
You know that saying, 'Things don't always go as planned'? Well, it applies to the word "planning" as well. By using "planning" instead of "plan" or "planned", it is something that is an ongoing or occurrence which means it can always be changed or modified. Now the meaning changes slightly when you add "to/on/for" after "planning".
- Planning to
Meaning - Used when you intend to do something in the future.
Example - She's planning to go back to school some time next year. (Having the intention to do some specific action.) - Planning on
Meaning - Often implies a reliance or expectation that something will happen.
Example - She's planning on going back to school some time next year. (Suggests counting on or relying on that event or action to take place.) - Planning for
Meaning - Used when you are preparing for a specific event or situation, often involving arrangements or considerations for future possibilities.
Example - She's planning for going back to school some time next year. (Preparing or making arrangements for that event or situation.)
