definite plan
Fixed arrangement
Use 'definite plan' when you want to move from 'maybe' to a confirmed, unchangeable commitment.
15秒了解
- A fixed arrangement with a specific time and place.
- The opposite of a vague or 'maybe' suggestion.
- Used to confirm serious intentions in social or work life.
意思
A 'definite plan' is when you have decided exactly what you are going to do. It means the time, place, and details are fixed, not just a vague idea.
关键例句
3 / 6Texting a friend to confirm
Do we have a definite plan for tonight, or are we still deciding?
Do we have a fixed arrangement for tonight?
In a professional meeting
We need a definite plan before we present this to the CEO.
We need a fixed strategy before the presentation.
Discussing holiday travel
I don't have a definite plan yet, but I'm thinking of visiting Italy.
I don't have a fixed arrangement yet.
文化背景
In Western cultures, especially in the US and UK, 'flaking' (canceling last minute) is a common social frustration. Using the phrase 'definite plan' acts as a linguistic anchor to ensure reliability. It moved from strictly business terminology into everyday social life to combat vague 'we should hang out' culture.
The 'Flake' Filter
If a friend is always vague, ask 'Is that a definite plan?' It forces them to commit or admit they might cancel!
Don't Overuse It
Don't use it for every single thing you do. If you use it for 'a definite plan to eat an apple,' you'll sound like a robot.
15秒了解
- A fixed arrangement with a specific time and place.
- The opposite of a vague or 'maybe' suggestion.
- Used to confirm serious intentions in social or work life.
What It Means
Think of a definite plan as the opposite of 'maybe.' It is a solid commitment. You have picked a date. You have picked a location. You are definitely going. It is the bridge between 'we should hang out' and 'see you at 8 PM.'
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you want to confirm something is real. Use it with verbs like have, make, or need. For example, 'I have a definite plan for Saturday.' It tells people you are serious. It shows you are organized. It helps avoid confusion.
When To Use It
Use it when booking travel. Use it when setting up a business meeting. Use it when your mom asks what you are doing for Christmas. It is perfect for texting friends to stop them from being flaky. If you have tickets to a show, that is a definite plan. If you have a reservation at a restaurant, that is a definite plan.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for dreams or wishes. Saying 'I have a definite plan to be a billionaire' sounds a bit crazy. Unless you actually have the money in the bank! Also, avoid it for very small things. You do not need a definite plan to brush your teeth. It is for events and arrangements. Don't use it if you are still just 'thinking' about an idea.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, people can be 'flaky.' They say 'let's do lunch' but never call. Using the word definite is a polite way to ask for a real commitment. It cuts through the social politeness. It demands a 'yes' or 'no' answer. It is a very valued trait in professional Western environments.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 'solid plans' or 'set in stone.' If someone asks, 'Is that a definite plan?' they are checking if they can count on you. You can also say 'nothing definite yet' if you are still deciding. This is a great way to stay polite while being non-committal.
使用说明
The phrase is neutral and works in almost any situation. Be careful not to confuse 'definite' (adjective) with 'definitely' (adverb).
The 'Flake' Filter
If a friend is always vague, ask 'Is that a definite plan?' It forces them to commit or admit they might cancel!
Don't Overuse It
Don't use it for every single thing you do. If you use it for 'a definite plan to eat an apple,' you'll sound like a robot.
The 'Soft' No
In English, saying 'I don't have a definite plan yet' is often a polite way to say 'I'm waiting for a better offer' or 'I'm not sure I want to go.'
例句
6Do we have a definite plan for tonight, or are we still deciding?
Do we have a fixed arrangement for tonight?
Used to check if the meeting is actually happening.
We need a definite plan before we present this to the CEO.
We need a fixed strategy before the presentation.
Shows the need for concrete details in a work setting.
I don't have a definite plan yet, but I'm thinking of visiting Italy.
I don't have a fixed arrangement yet.
Expresses that the idea is still in the early stages.
My only definite plan for the weekend is to stay in my pajamas.
My only fixed arrangement is staying in pajamas.
Uses a formal-sounding phrase for a very lazy activity.
I just wish we had a definite plan for our future together.
I wish we had a clear arrangement for our future.
Expresses a desire for security and certainty.
Once we have a definite plan, we can pay the deposit.
After the arrangement is fixed, we can pay.
Relates the plan to a financial commitment.
自我测试
Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a confirmed meeting.
We have a ___ plan to meet at the cinema at 7:00 PM.
Because the time and place are specific (7:00 PM at the cinema), the plan is 'definite'.
Complete the sentence for someone who hasn't decided yet.
I have some ideas for the party, but nothing ___ yet.
When something is not yet fixed or confirmed, we say it is 'nothing definite'.
🎉 得分: /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Definite Plan'
Used with friends to stop flaking.
Got a definite plan for lunch?
Standard use for travel or events.
I have a definite plan for my vacation.
Used in business for project milestones.
The board requires a definite plan.
When to say 'Definite Plan'
Booking Flights
I need a definite plan before buying tickets.
Dating
Is this a definite plan or just a 'maybe'?
Work Projects
Let's make a definite plan for the launch.
Holiday Events
Do we have a definite plan for Thanksgiving?
常见问题
10 个问题It means an arrangement where the details like time and place are confirmed. It is the opposite of a vague idea.
Yes, it is very common in business to describe a project or strategy that is finalized. For example, We need a definite plan for the marketing campaign.
They are very similar. Solid plans is slightly more informal, while definite plan is neutral and can be used anywhere.
You can ask, Is that a definite plan? This clarifies if the time and place are actually set.
The opposite is a vague idea or loose plans. These mean you might do something, but nothing is fixed.
Not at all. It is used in texting to avoid confusion, especially when trying to coordinate a group of people.
No, that is a common mistake. Use the adjective definite to describe the noun plan.
Almost. Set in stone is an idiom meaning it cannot be changed at all. A definite plan is fixed but could technically be changed if there is an emergency.
Usually, we use it for specific events. For big life goals, we might say a clear vision or a long-term strategy instead.
You should say, I don't have anything definite yet. This tells the other person you are still deciding.
相关表达
Solid plans
Informal version of definite plans; reliable arrangements.
Set in stone
An arrangement that is impossible to change.
Tentative plans
The opposite; plans that are not yet certain and might change.
Firm up plans
The action of making a vague plan become a definite one.
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