a course of events

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a course of events" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sequence or progression of occurrences or incidents that lead to a particular outcome. Example: "The investigation revealed a complex course of events that ultimately led to the decision to close the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

To describe a course of events as briefly as I have is, of course, to over-simplify.

The Guardian

The harbingers of the Cultural Revolution were analyzed in Volume 14 and Volume 15 traces a course of events still only partially understood by most Chinese.

University of California, Berkeley

Citing security concerns, General Eberhart declined to sketch a course of events that would result in the decision to down a civilian airliner being made by someone other than the president.

The New York Times

All setting off a course of events that end in heartbreak and misery for Kevin, Randy, Bubs, Sherrod, Miss Anna, Carver, Herc himself, City Hall and the whole police force.

The Guardian

The invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviets in the last days of 1979 set in train a course of events that might be said to have led, 22 years later, to the twin towers burning in New York.

The Guardian - Books

Stanley Collender, managing director of the Federal Budget Consulting Group at Fleischman-Hillard, the public relations firm, said it was difficult to come up with a course of events in which the surplus is not wiped out next year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But with a fairer wind and a different course of events, he might have become a top, top player.

The Guardian - Sport

WASHINGTON ― Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, on Monday defended his meetings with Russian officials as "proper" and "a normal course of events of a very unique campaign," claiming that he had been "fully transparent".

Huffington Post

They accept an amusing back-and-forth as a normal course of events and press on hilariously, without a lot of ha-ha goofery.

The New Yorker

The putative mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy remain a matter of debate, but a multifactorial course of events is likely (6).

Diabetes Care

If I'd ever been in love with a man it would have been a natural course of events to want his child.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a course of events" to connect seemingly disparate incidents, providing a narrative flow that explains how one thing led to another.

Common error

While versatile, "a course of events" can sound cliché in highly formal or academic writing. Consider using more precise language to describe specific sequences of actions or developments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a course of events" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sequence or progression leading to a particular outcome. Ludwig AI validates this usage, illustrating its widespread applicability across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a course of events" is a versatile phrase used to describe a sequence or progression, particularly to explain how one thing led to another. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially within news and media, scientific, and academic contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to consider the context and audience to ensure that its usage is both effective and appropriate. Be mindful of overuse in overly formal contexts, and consider alternatives when a more precise description of the sequence is required. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to connect seemingly disparate incidents, offering a narrative flow to explain an unfolding situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chain of happenings

Emphasizes a direct, linked sequence where one event leads inevitably to the next.

a series of incidents

Highlights individual events within the sequence, potentially suggesting a lack of direct connection.

a train of circumstances

Focuses on the conditions and factors that contribute to the progression, rather than the events themselves.

an unfolding narrative

Implies a story-like progression, often with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

a sequence of developments

Suggests a gradual and progressive change over time.

a progression of actions

Highlights the active steps taken, implying intentionality and agency.

a flow of occurrences

Describes the events as a continuous and natural process.

a string of episodes

Breaks down the sequence into distinct, self-contained parts.

a developing situation

Focuses on the evolution and changing nature of the overall context.

a pattern of activity

Emphasizes the repetitive or predictable nature of the sequence.

FAQs

How can I use "a course of events" in a sentence?

Use "a course of events" to describe how a series of actions or incidents led to a particular outcome. For example, "The investigation revealed a complex "a course of events" that resulted in the company's bankruptcy".

What are some alternatives to "a course of events"?

You can use phrases like "a series of events", "a chain of circumstances", or "an unfolding narrative" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the course of event" instead of "a course of events"?

No, "the course of event" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""a course of events"", which implies a sequence of multiple happenings, or "the course of an event", which refers to the unfolding of a single event.

How does "a course of events" differ from "a chain of events"?

"A course of events" is a more general term for a sequence, while "a chain of events" emphasizes a direct, causal relationship where one event directly triggers the next.