Course of history

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Course of history" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the progression or development of historical events over time. Example: "The course of history was significantly altered by the invention of the printing press."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He changed the course of history.

Independent

"WAR, peace, and the course of history".

The Economist

Politics changes the course of history.

The Guardian

Can it shape the course of history?

The Guardian

Thus was the course of history altered.

The New York Times - Books

"It will change the course of history".

The New York Times - Style

He had come to change the course of history.

The New York Times

She knew powerful men who changed the course of history.

The New York Times

Yet it helped to change the course of history.

The New York Times

This is our time to change the course of history".

The New Yorker

Over the course of history, racial alignments have shifted radically.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "course of history" when emphasizing the long-term progression and impact of events, rather than just a single occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "course of history" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for simpler phrases like "what happened" or "how things turned out" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "course of history" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the progression and development of historical events over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "course of history" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes the progression of historical events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, often appearing in news, academic, and scientific sources. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "historical trajectory" or "sweep of history". Using this phrase effectively involves understanding its nuanced meaning and employing it judiciously to highlight the long-term impact of significant events. "Course of history" is more than just a phrase; it's a lens through which we understand the unfolding narrative of human civilization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unfolding of history

Emphasizes the gradual revelation and unfolding of events.

Historical development

Focuses on the process of change and evolution over time.

Evolution of events

Stresses how events change and transform over time.

Historical trajectory

Focuses on the path history follows, emphasizing direction and movement.

Historical progress

Highlights the advancement and improvement through time.

Direction of history

Implies a specific path or trajectory that history is taking.

Sweep of history

Emphasizes the broad scope and comprehensive nature of historical events.

Tides of history

Highlights the fluctuating and powerful nature of historical forces.

Flow of events

Stresses the continuous and interconnected nature of happenings over time.

March of time

Emphasizes the inevitable and linear progression of time and its effects.

FAQs

How can I use "course of history" in a sentence?

You can use "course of history" to describe how events unfold and shape the future. For instance, "The invention of the printing press significantly altered the course of history."

What can I say instead of "course of history"?

You can use alternatives like "historical trajectory", "sweep of history", or "flow of events" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "change the course of history" or "make history"?

While both phrases relate to significant events, "change the course of history" implies a redirection or alteration of existing trends, whereas "make history" simply means to do something memorable or unprecedented. Use the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "course of history" and "historical period"?

"Course of history" refers to the progression and development of events over time, while "historical period" refers to a specific era or epoch with defined characteristics. For example, the Renaissance is a historical period, and the invention of the printing press influenced the course of history during that period.