Set a trajectory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Set a trajectory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are establishing a direction or plan for future actions or developments. Example: "In order to achieve our goals, we need to set a trajectory for our marketing strategy that aligns with our target audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It's becoming clear that physical and mental health at adolescence often set a trajectory for the rest of life.

Nature

"What this fund does is set a trajectory towards Mars, and human exploration of Mars". Banks said that Griffin, an advocate of the moon-Mars initiative, played a major role in selecting the name for the fund.

The Washington Post

But, as an industry, let's at least set a trajectory.

TechCrunch

He believes it will help set a trajectory of giving throughout their lifetime.

Huffington Post

Verbal First Aid is a protocol that my co-author and I introduced in 2002, teaching first responders and medical personnel how to talk to people in fear, pain and crisis to set a trajectory for recovery.

HuffPost

Our findings confirm these observations and additionally demonstrate that low adult SES tends to set a trajectory of adverse change in cardiometabolic factors, particularly adiposity, glucose metabolism, and new-onset metabolic syndrome.

American Journal of Epidemiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The cumulative effect of these risks can add up to levels of stress capable of damaging the developing brain and body and setting a trajectory for future disorders, the authors said.

Cornell University

"If the government would commit to ring-fencing the science budget in real terms, matching capital investment with resources so that new facilities can be run well, and setting a trajectory for investment in science above growth, we would see a real transformation in the UK's fortunes and future prospects".

BBC

But in the face of an open field of choices limited only by what you want, and with no larger driver to what you want that sets a trajectory for your life, the various motivations and expectations from these three worldviews have been let loose within the female psyche without a larger, organizing context or purpose.

Huffington Post

Republicans should set a new trajectory.

Huffington Post

But these days, many of those aspiring racers set a career trajectory for NASCAR instead.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “set a trajectory” when you want to express the establishment of a specific direction or course of action that is expected to have long-term implications.

Common error

Avoid using “set a trajectory” when referring to short-term or easily reversible actions. This phrase implies a significant and lasting impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “set a trajectory” functions as a verb phrase where 'set' acts as a verb meaning 'to establish' and 'trajectory' functions as a noun, referring to a path or direction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “set a trajectory” is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that means to establish a specific direction or course of action with long-term implications. Ludwig AI validates its utility across various writing styles. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the intended outcome, and avoid using it for short-term actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Establish a direction

Emphasizes making a firm decision about the route to take.

Establish a course

Focuses on the act of formally defining a path or direction.

Define a path

Emphasizes clarifying and specifying a route or direction.

Chart a direction

Suggests navigating towards a specific goal or outcome.

Lay out a plan

Highlights the structured and organized aspect of creating a roadmap.

Set a course of action

Focuses on the concrete steps and activities involved in pursuing a goal.

Forge a path

Suggests creating a new way forward, overcoming obstacles in the process.

Design a route

Emphasizes the careful planning and construction of a path.

Pave the way

Implies preparing a route for others to follow.

Initiate a process

Highlights beginning a series of actions leading to a particular result.

FAQs

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

You can use "Set a trajectory" to describe establishing a course of action that influences future developments. For example, "The new policy aims to "set a trajectory" for sustainable growth".

What are some alternatives to "Set a trajectory"?

Alternatives include "establish a course", "define a path", or "chart a direction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "Set a trajectory" or "Establish a trajectory"?

Both "set a trajectory" and "establish a trajectory" are correct. The choice depends on the context, with "establish a trajectory" often implying a more formal or official setting.

What does it mean to "Set yourself on a trajectory"?

To "set yourself on a trajectory" means to take actions that will predictably lead you towards a particular future outcome or goal. It implies agency and intentionality in shaping one's future.