plan B
The French phrase for "plan b" is plan B.
plan B refers to an alternative strategy that is used if the first plan fails.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase with an indefinite article, it becomes un plan B. If you are referring to a specific, previously mentioned alternative, use the definite article le plan B. In a negative construction, the articles un or le are replaced by de, as in pas de plan B.
Did you know?
- In a very different colloquial context, un plan can refer to a 'hookup' or a casual romantic encounter. Using it in this way is entirely unrelated to the strategic meaning of plan B.
- The word plan is also used in French cinema and photography to describe a 'shot' or a 'frame'. For example, un plan large refers to a wide shot.
- The word plan shares an unexpected root with the English word 'plain', both originating from the Latin 'planus' meaning 'flat'.
Examples in context
- Il y a un plan B.There's a plan B.This sentence shows how to state the existence of a plan B.Tatoeba #11612539 by Adrien_FR, translation #11746156 by shekitten
- Il n'y a pas de plan B.There is no plan B.This sentence demonstrates the negative construction using plan B.Tatoeba #10491526 by lbdx, translation #10478157 by sundown
- William a exécuté le plan B.William executed plan B.This sentence shows how to use plan B when describing an action being executed.Tatoeba #11607698 by Amastan, translation #11602425 by Amastan
- Pouvons-nous envisager une solution de secours dans le cas où notre plan initial ne fonctionne pas?Can we consider a backup solution in case our initial plan doesn't work?
- Tu penses qu'on devrait prévoir un plan de secours au cas où?Do you think we should have a backup plan just in case?
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are planning a picnic but it is raining.
- LéaIl pleut trop pour le pique-nique.It's raining too much for the picnic.
- GabrielQuel est notre plan B alors ?What is our plan B then?
- LéaOn peut aller au cinéma ensemble.We can go to the cinema together.
- GabrielC'est un excellent plan B, Léa.That is an excellent plan B, Léa.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries plan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
