Steer a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Steer a course" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing direction, guidance, or decision-making in various contexts. For example: "The captain had to steer a course through the stormy waters." Alternative expressions include "chart a path" and "navigate a route."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The German chancellor is trying to steer a course.

The Guardian - Opinion

Can we steer a course between Dallas and Williamsburg, Brooklyn?

The New York Times - Style

Merry pranksters, steer a course to the heart of the pop machine - the time is now!

The Guardian - Music

How to steer a course between unwarranted complacency and unhelpful impatience is the democratic predicament.

The Guardian - Books

I would also value suggestions people made and, as that happened, steer a course that uses people's enthusiasm and ideas.

The New York Times

Coming into the race, her challenge was to steer a course that satisfied both of those constituencies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Alexander Payne steered a course through Nebraska.

The Guardian - Film

In foreign affairs he steered a course that converted Austria virtually into an Italian satellite state.

Britannica

Portraiture steers a course between the expensively overwrought and the cut-rate prosaic.

The New York Times - Arts

Mae West steered a course between respectability and vulgarity, racism and identification, femininity and masculinity.

The New York Times - Arts

But once in office, he increasingly steered a course independent of the G.O.P. leadership.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steer a course" when you want to emphasize carefully navigating a complex situation to achieve a specific goal, implying skillful maneuvering and foresight.

Common error

Avoid using "steer a course" when simply describing taking a straightforward action. It implies a deliberate navigation through challenges, so ensure the context warrants this level of complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steer a course" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often used with an infinitive or prepositional phrase to indicate the direction or method of navigation. It implies agency and intentionality, suggesting that someone or something is actively guiding or directing a process. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis of real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steer a course" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of directing or guiding something, particularly through complex situations. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more prevalent in news, media, and scientific writing. Remember to use this phrase when emphasizing careful navigation and strategic maneuvering toward a specific goal. Ludwig's data provides a clear understanding of its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Navigate a path

Focuses on the journey and direction rather than the method of control.

Chart a course

Emphasizes planning and mapping out a direction.

Take a path

Suggests a simple decision to follow a route.

Direct operations

Focuses on overseeing and guiding a process or task.

Guide a process

Highlights the action of leading something forward.

Manage affairs

Focuses on the administration and handling of situations.

Conduct proceedings

Suggests the formal management of an event or meeting.

Handle the process

Emphasizes dealing with the specific steps and details of something.

Take control

Highlights the act of assuming authority and management.

Influence direction

Focuses on impacting or changing the course of events without necessarily leading.

FAQs

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

You can use "steer a course" to describe navigating a complex situation, like: "The government is trying to "steer a course" between economic growth and environmental protection."

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

You can use alternatives like "navigate a path", "chart a course", or "guide a process" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "steer a course"?

It's best to use "steer a course" when describing a situation that requires careful management and direction to avoid potential obstacles or achieve a specific outcome. It implies a strategic approach.

Is "steer a course" formal or informal language?

"Steer a course" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it may appear more frequently in formal writing due to its nuanced meaning and implication of thoughtful navigation.