a predetermined course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a predetermined course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a path or direction that has been established in advance, often in contexts like planning or decision-making. Example: "The project will follow a predetermined course to ensure that all objectives are met on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Wins and losses followed a predetermined course independent from the player's decisions (see Figure  1B).

BMC Psychiatry

Camel racing, sport of running camels at speed, with a rider astride, over a predetermined course.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Air racing, sport of racing airplanes, either over a predetermined course or cross-country up to transcontinental limits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This week the Fed suggested future rate decisions would be dependent on economic data, and that monetary policy was not on a predetermined course.

The Guardian - Business

The skipper of a boat predicts the exact time he will pass specified points on a predetermined course, which he traverses without a watch, adjusting his speed in accordance with variations of wind, tide, and current.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With each click of a mouse — which might be a slight struggle to find on your real desk, since you can no longer see the real world — your capsule wends on a predetermined course through the solar system, stopping over each planet and notable moon in turn.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Nor are there predetermined course completion dates.

HuffPost

In Grand Prix mode, the player competes against seven computer-controlled racers in a series of predetermined courses.

Wikipedia

Grand Prix – This mode has the player race against seven (or six) teams, which are controlled by the computer, in a series of predetermined courses.

Wikipedia

Did they tell you about all the little, predetermined courses?

The New York Times - Food

Every company, of course, has a predetermined pecking order — known technically as "absolute priority" — that specifies which creditors will be paid before others in a bankruptcy proceeding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional writing, combine "a predetermined course" with verbs like "follow", "adhere to", or "deviate from" to create stronger, more descriptive sentences.

Common error

Avoid using "a predetermined course" when flexibility is desired. The term suggests a lack of adaptability, so opt for alternatives like "a flexible plan" or "an adaptive strategy" when changes are expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a predetermined course" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "predetermined" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "course". This is supported by Ludwig, which shows its use in describing various established paths or plans. It serves to specify that the course is not random but intentionally set beforehand.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a predetermined course" is a noun phrase used to describe a plan or path that has been established in advance. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral to formal register. While grammatically correct and readily understood, its frequency is uncommon. Remember to choose this phrase when emphasizing structured planning and consider alternatives when flexibility is needed. The use of "a predetermined course" suggests a deliberate lack of deviation, so ensure it aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fixed itinerary

Focuses on the aspect of a planned route or schedule.

a set route

Emphasizes the physical or conceptual path that is already established.

a prearranged plan

Highlights the planning and arrangement aspects before the course is taken.

a prescribed path

Indicates a course that has been officially or authoritatively set.

a defined trajectory

Suggests a path or direction that is clearly defined and predictable.

a scheduled program

Focuses on the timing and sequence of events within a course.

a planned sequence

Highlights the order and arrangement of steps in a course.

an established protocol

Emphasizes that the course is based on accepted rules and procedures.

a pre-set agenda

Focuses on the list of items or activities that have been determined in advance.

a decided course of action

Implies a firm decision about the path to follow.

FAQs

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

You can use "a predetermined course" to describe a plan or route that has been established in advance. For example, "The company decided to follow "a predetermined course" to achieve its objectives".

What are some alternatives to "a predetermined course"?

Alternatives to "a predetermined course" include phrases like "a fixed itinerary", "a set route", or "a prearranged plan", depending on the specific context.

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

It's appropriate to use "a predetermined course" when you want to emphasize that a plan or path has been decided in advance and will be followed closely. This is common in situations where consistency and predictability are important.

What does "a predetermined course" imply about flexibility?

"A predetermined course" suggests a lack of flexibility. If you need to indicate that there is room for change or adaptation, it's best to choose a different term, such as "a flexible plan" or "an adaptive strategy".