Stay the course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Stay the course" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to encourage someone to continue with their current plan or direction despite challenges or difficulties. Example: "Even though we are facing setbacks, we must stay the course to achieve our long-term goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Stay the course, son.

The New York Times - Sports

Stay the course, for sure.

The New York Times

"Stay the course," Mr. Bogle says.

The New York Times

Stay the course, say the Eurocrats.

The New York Times

Stay the course in stocks?

The New York Times

"Stay the course with your strengths and don't compromise".

The New York Times

Stay the Course.

Forbes

"Stay the course," advises Bogle.

Forbes

"Stay the course" is the better answer.

Forbes

Mature teams stay the course".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

More and more Americans don't want to stay-the-course on stay-the-course.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Stay the course" when you want to emphasize the importance of consistency and commitment to a long-term goal, especially when facing temporary setbacks or distractions. For example: "Despite the initial challenges, we must "stay the course" to achieve our strategic objectives."

Common error

Don't use "Stay the course" when referring to a short-term project or activity where flexibility and adaptability are more important than rigid adherence to a plan. For example, saying "We need to "stay the course" on this daily task" might imply inflexibility where it's not needed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stay the course" is as an idiomatic verb phrase. It serves to encourage persistence and commitment to a particular path or strategy. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stay the course" is a commonly used and grammatically sound idiomatic expression that conveys the importance of persistence and commitment to a plan. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While appropriate for various contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media, and formal business settings. Remember to use it when emphasizing long-term goals and to avoid overuse in short-term or highly adaptable situations. Consider alternatives like "persevere" or "stick to the plan" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Stick to the plan

Emphasizes adherence to a predetermined strategy or course of action.

Continue as planned

A straightforward and neutral alternative, emphasizing consistency.

Persevere

A more concise and direct synonym, implying steadfastness in the face of difficulty.

Hold firm

Suggests resisting pressure to change direction or give up.

See it through

Implies completing a task or project despite challenges.

Keep going

An encouraging and informal way to urge someone to continue their efforts.

Press on

A call to advance despite obstacles and setbacks.

Don't give up

A motivational phrase encouraging resilience and determination.

Maintain momentum

Focuses on keeping up the pace and preventing any loss of progress.

Endure

Suggests bearing hardships and persisting through difficult times.

FAQs

How can I use "Stay the course" in a sentence?

Use "Stay the course" to express the importance of continuing with a chosen plan or strategy despite difficulties or distractions. For example, "The CEO urged the team to "stay the course" despite the initial setbacks."

What does "Stay the course" mean?

"Stay the course" means to continue with a plan or action, even when things get difficult or challenging. It implies resilience and a commitment to achieving a long-term goal.

What are some alternatives to "Stay the course"?

You can use alternatives like "persevere", "stick to the plan", or "hold firm" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

Is "Stay the course" formal or informal?

"Stay the course" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "persevere" or "continue as planned" may be preferred in highly professional or academic settings.