Map a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Map a course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing planning or outlining a path or strategy to achieve a goal. Example: "Before we start the project, we need to map a course that outlines our objectives and timelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Each company relies on satellite images to map a course.

The New York Times - Tech

Google's legions of lawyers have been battling these charges.Their lordships Page, Cook, Zuckerberg and Bezos thus need to map a course for their respective firms through dangerous legal and regulatory territory.

The Economist

In an interview after the first public hearing, Dr. Vagelos said the governor asked him to map a course by which New Jersey -- which has several good schools and a strong research presence from pharmaceutical companies -- could develop a great medical school to compete with the universities and research hospitals in New York and Philadelphia.

The New York Times

As China and India increasingly redefine the future of technology and innovation, knowing how to map a course into that future will be a core competency of the most accomplished travelers.

Forbes

Startups are made to handle uncertainty and map a course through it, but I still feel intensely angry at having to deal with completely unnecessary obstacles: a nation knowingly inflicting self-harm.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Conservatives seem more interested in saving an ideology than mapping a course toward a better economic future.

The New York Times

At 5 feet 2 inches, she has great power and accuracy off the tee that is matched by a competitive zeal in which she does hundreds of sit-ups a day and maps a course with spreadsheets highlighting every peril and shot.

The New York Times

"Mapping a course for individuals, grassroots groups, voluntary associations, and religious organizations - and showing people how to fan the flames of peace - this bold new book challenges pacifists to be peacemakers and just war theorists to spell out the resorts that should be tried before the last.

Stanford University

His father, a carpenter and a former sandlot center fielder, mapped a course for his son.

Los Angeles Times

President Obama laid out an ambitious campaign to address climate change Tuesday, mapping a course that would bypass Congress to cut emissions from hundreds of coal-fired electric power plants and setting the stage for a possible rejection of the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline.

Los Angeles Times

The program, described briefly in this commentary, maps a course forward and engenders movement from strategy to practical application in risk assessment.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Map a course", ensure the context clearly indicates a strategic planning process, whether for business, personal development, or academic pursuits. Use it to convey the act of creating a detailed plan with specific objectives.

Common error

Avoid using "Map a course" when referring to simple, immediate actions. This phrase implies a comprehensive plan, not a quick decision. For instance, don't say "Map a course to the store" if you simply mean 'go to the store'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Map a course" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where 'map' acts as a verb indicating the action of creating a plan or strategy, and 'a course' functions as the object, specifying the path or direction being planned. Ludwig AI indicates that it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Map a course" serves as a verb phrase employed to denote the strategic planning of a route or plan to achieve a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical construction is correct and is primarily found in news, media, science, and academic contexts. While it isn't exceptionally common, it effectively conveys the notion of detailed and thoughtful planning. Alternatives like "chart a path" or "plan a route" offer similar nuances depending on the specific context. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with situations requiring comprehensive planning rather than simple, immediate actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Chart a path

Emphasizes the visual aspect of planning and identifying a route.

Plan a route

Focuses on the logistical aspects of determining a sequence of actions.

Develop a strategy

Highlights the creation of a detailed plan to achieve a specific goal.

Outline a plan

Stresses the creation of a structured overview of intended actions.

Formulate an approach

Emphasizes the method and style used to tackle a situation or problem.

Design a course of action

Implies a more deliberate and structured planning process.

Lay out a plan

Stresses the detailed arrangement and presentation of a plan.

Set out a strategy

Focuses on defining and communicating a strategic plan.

Craft a plan

Highlights the careful and skillful creation of a plan.

Establish a direction

Emphasizes setting a clear and purposeful trajectory.

FAQs

How can I use "Map a course" in a sentence?

You can use "Map a course" to describe the process of creating a detailed plan or strategy, as in, "The company needs to "develop a strategy" to enter the new market." or "We need to "outline a plan" for the project before starting."

What phrases are similar to "Map a course"?

Alternatives to "Map a course" include "chart a path", "plan a route", "design a course of action", or "lay out a plan", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "Map a course" in informal contexts?

While "Map a course" isn't overly formal, it's best suited for situations where careful planning and strategy are involved. In very informal contexts, simpler phrases like "make a plan" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean to "Map a course"?

To "Map a course" means to carefully plan and outline a specific series of actions or steps needed to achieve a particular goal or objective. It implies a thoughtful and structured approach, often involving detailed consideration of potential challenges and alternative routes.