Planing vs. Planning — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 2, 2023
Planing is the act of smoothing or shaping a surface, especially wood, while Planning refers to the process of making plans for something.
Difference Between Planing and Planning
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Key Differences
Interestingly, one letter can change the whole context of a word. While Planing has a more tactile, hands-on implication, Planning is centered around forethought and organization.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
Planing and Planning, at first glance, may seem related due to their similar spelling, but they have entirely distinct definitions. Planing pertains to the act of shaving or smoothing, typically wood, using a plane. In contrast, Planning is all about strategizing or determining steps for future actions.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
The tools involved also highlight the difference between Planing and Planning. Planing typically involves a tool called a "plane" which shaves off layers of wood to achieve a desired thickness or smoothness. Planning, on the other hand, might involve calendars, lists, or software to help strategize and organize.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
While Planing can be a physical act often associated with woodworking or carpentry, Planning is a mental or organizational process. One might be planing a wooden board to make it smooth, but they would be planning a weekend trip or a project's execution.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
If someone says they're planing a piece of timber, it's clear they're working to shape or smooth that wood. But if they mention they're planning a meeting, it indicates they're organizing or scheduling a future event.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Definitions
Planing
Shaping wood with a plane.
The carpenter spent hours planing the intricate details.
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Sep 02, 2023
Planning
Intending or deciding in advance.
We are planning to visit Europe next summer.
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Sep 02, 2023
Planing
The action of a boat lifting out of the water.
The speedboat was planing across the lake.
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Sep 02, 2023
Planning
Preparing and scheduling.
Planning our meals for the week helps us eat healthier.
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Sep 02, 2023
Planing
Removing the top layer of something.
Planing the old paint revealed the wood's grain.
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Sep 02, 2023
Planning
Strategizing for the future.
Planning ahead can save a lot of trouble later.
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Sep 02, 2023
Planing
Making a surface flat.
Planing the table ensured it was perfectly level.
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Sep 02, 2023
Planing
Not an independent word but used with other words to convey their meaning i.e. hydroplaning
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
Planning is the process of thinking about the activities required to achieve a desired goal. It is the first and foremost activity to achieve desired results.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planing
A carpenter's tool with an adjustable blade for smoothing and leveling wood.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
The process of making plans for something
The planning stages of the operation
Mass production methods call for detailed planning
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Aug 19, 2018
Planing
A trowel-shaped tool for smoothing the surface of clay, sand, or plaster in a mold.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
An orderly or step-by-step conception or proposal for accomplishing an objective
A plan for improving math instruction.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
A proposed or intended course of action
Had no plans for the evening.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
A systematic arrangement of elements or important parts; a configuration or outline
A seating plan.
The plan of a story.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
A drawing or diagram made to scale showing the structure or arrangement of something.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planing
To rise partly out of the water, as a hydroplane does at high speeds.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
In perspective rendering, one of several imaginary planes perpendicular to the line of vision between the viewer and the object being depicted.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
A program or policy stipulating a service or benefit
A pension plan.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
To formulate a scheme or program for the accomplishment, enactment, or attainment of
Plan a campaign.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
To have as a specific aim or purpose; intend
They plan to buy a house.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
The act of formulating of a course of action, or of drawing up plans.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
Planning permission.
My neighbours were going to build an extension but they didn't get planning.
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
An act of formulating a program for a definite course of action;
The planning was more fun than the trip itself
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
The act or process of drawing up plans or layouts for some project or enterprise
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Aug 19, 2018
Planning
The cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening;
His planning for retirement was hindered by several uncertainties
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Aug 19, 2018
FAQs
Is Planing only associated with wood?
Mostly, but it can also refer to a boat moving on the water with its bow lifted.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
Do Planing and Planning mean the same thing?
No, Planing refers to smoothing or shaping, especially wood, while Planning involves making plans.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
What tool is associated with Planing?
A plane is typically used for planing.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
Which term would you use when organizing an event?
You would be "planning" an event.
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Sep 02, 2023
Can Planing also refer to removing material other than wood?
Primarily, it refers to wood, but contextually it could mean removing the top layer of other materials.
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Sep 02, 2023
Why might someone be Planing wood?
To smooth it, shape it, or fit it properly.
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Sep 02, 2023
Can you use software for Planning?
Yes, many use software tools for planning tasks, projects, or events.
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Sep 02, 2023
Can Planning be both a verb and a noun?
Yes, you can be "planning" something (verb) or refer to the "planning" of an event (noun).
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Sep 02, 2023
Can you "plan" on doing something without making detailed plans?
Yes, "plan" can mean a general intention without detailed organization.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
Is Planing typically a manual process?
Yes, especially in the context of woodworking.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
Can you be "planning" a piece of wood?
Typically, no. Planning involves making plans, while planing involves shaping wood.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
Is a "planner" someone who does Planing?
No, a "planner" is associated with planning, often someone who organizes or schedules.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
What's another word for Planning in the context of strategizing?
Another term could be "organizing" or "scheduling."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
What might be a synonym for Planing?
"Smoothing" or "shaping" in the context of woodworking.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
Does Planning always require writing things down?
No, while writing can aid planning, one can plan mentally or verbally as well.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
