Set a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Set a course" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when directing someone to establish a direction or plan, often in a nautical or metaphorical context. Example: "Set a course for the nearest harbor." Alternative expressions include "Establish a direction" and "Determine a path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Set a course for the truth.

Huffington Post

Setn up now to get the best of VICE Canada delivered straight to your inbox.

Vice

Set a course to become their secret weapon.

Huffington Post

She also set a course record with this victory.

The New York Times

A few carriers, however, have set a course for sustainability.

The New York Times

Her countryman Robert Cheruiyot set a course record.

The New York Times

Instead of drifting along toward tragedy, we will set a course toward safety.

Independent

Instead, we set a course for Crow Rock Lodge, on the western side of the lake.

The New York Times - Travel

Scott shot a 66, and Bradley's 63 set a course record.

The New York Times - Sports

Over all, he must set a course for growth even as he shrinks the company.

The New York Times

We have set a course to develop our human capital and our infrastructure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Set a course" when you want to convey establishing a direction or plan, especially when there's a sense of navigation involved, either literally or metaphorically.

Common error

Avoid using "Set a course" in contexts where a more concrete action or plan is needed; ensure it fits the scenario of establishing a general direction, not just any kind of planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Set a course" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used to indicate the act of establishing a direction or plan. Ludwig AI's examples show it in various contexts, from literal navigation to metaphorical guidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

26%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Set a course" is a versatile expression used to convey the act of establishing a direction or plan. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, general knowledge, and business settings. While relatively formal, it's applicable in a range of situations where guidance or strategic planning is discussed. Alternative phrases such as "establish a direction" or "determine a path" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Establish a direction

Highlights setting a general direction without necessarily having a detailed plan.

Chart a direction

Emphasizes a nautical sense of planning and navigating a route.

Establish a plan

Focuses on the creation of a detailed strategy or plan, rather than just a general direction.

Formulate a plan

Focuses on the intellectual effort involved in creating a plan.

Lay out a plan

Focuses on detailing the components and structure of a plan or strategy.

Map out a strategy

Implies a comprehensive and detailed approach to planning a strategy.

Define a strategy

Emphasizes the deliberate selection and articulation of a strategic approach.

Forge a path

Suggests creating a new or unconventional approach, often in the face of difficulty.

Design a route

Emphasizes the creation of a detailed and specific path to be followed.

Determine a path

Highlights the process of identifying and deciding on a specific route or course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "Set a course" to describe establishing a direction or plan, as in, "The company needs to "establish a plan" to increase profits" or "We need to "chart a direction" for the future of the project".

What can I say instead of "Set a course"?

You can use alternatives like "establish a direction", "determine a path", or ""chart a direction"" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "Set a course for" or "Set course to"?

The phrase is typically "Set a course for", as it indicates the destination or goal toward which the direction is being established. "Set course to" is less common but not grammatically incorrect, it might sound less natural.

What's the difference between "Set a course" and "Follow a course"?

"Set a course" implies establishing a direction or plan, while "follow a course" suggests adhering to an already established path or plan. They describe opposite actions in relation to a plan.