a probable course of action

USAGE SUMMARY

"a probable course of action" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used when discussing possible ways to proceed with a certain task or situation. For example, "We need to consider a probable course of action in order to move forward with this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But Butler argued that a probable course of action could still be morally obligatory.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is worth noting that in 2015 Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen publicly endorsed the Chinese position that territorial disputes in the South China Sea cannot be solved by ASEAN, making the description of such pressure in 2012 a very probable course of action (Sothanarith 2015).

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

There have been sufficient leaks of draft proposals and advice to the president in recent days to give an insight into his probable course of action.

The Guardian

According to ARVN Colonel Hoang Ngoc Lung the answer lay with the allied intelligence methodology itself, which tended to estimate the enemy's probable course of action based upon their capabilities, not their intentions.

Wikipedia

Intelligence, in government and military operations, evaluated information concerning the strength, activities, and probable courses of action of foreign countries or nonstate actors that are usually, though not always, enemies or opponents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Editorial discussions that argue the case for a field of research or a course of action.

BMJ Open

Appraisal is a difficult course of action.

The New York Times

Is there a better course of action?

The New York Times - Magazine

Flexible response did not prescribe a particular course of action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, he remains committed to a broad course of action.

The New York Times

Evidently, this was a common course of action.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a probable course of action", ensure the context clearly defines the situation or problem the action is intended to address. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid substituting simpler words for "probable" or "course of action" with overly technical or field-specific jargon unless your audience is guaranteed to understand it. Using overly complex language can obscure your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a probable course of action" functions as a noun phrase that describes a potential strategy or plan. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and used to discuss possible ways to proceed in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a probable course of action" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for discussing potential strategies or plans. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While it appears across various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the related context to maximize the impact. Consider related phrases such as "a likely plan of action" or "a potential strategy" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a likely plan of action

Replaces 'probable' with 'likely' and 'course' with 'plan', slightly altering the tone while maintaining the core meaning.

a potential strategy

Substitutes 'course of action' with 'strategy', focusing on the strategic aspect of the action.

a feasible approach

Replaces the entire phrase with 'feasible approach', highlighting the practicality of the action.

a possible step

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on a single action as a 'possible step'.

an expected procedure

Changes the focus to an anticipated or 'expected procedure'.

a predictable response

Emphasizes the predictability of the action.

a reasonable measure

Highlights the rationality and appropriateness of the action.

a viable option

Focuses on the 'viability' or workability of the action.

a prospective solution

Emphasizes that it is related to solving some problem.

a tentative step forward

Highlights the uncertainty that an action implies.

FAQs

How can I use "a probable course of action" in a sentence?

Use "a probable course of action" to discuss potential plans or strategies. For example, "After analyzing the data, "a probable course of action" involves increasing marketing efforts in the southern region".

What's a good alternative to "a probable course of action"?

Consider using phrases like "a likely plan of action", "a potential strategy", or "a feasible approach" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a probable course of action" or "a possible course of action"?

While both are correct, "a probable course of action" suggests a higher likelihood or expectation than "a possible course of action". Use "probable" when the action is considered more likely based on available information.

What's the difference between "a probable course of action" and "a recommended course of action"?

"A probable course of action" refers to a likely or expected action, whereas "a recommended course of action" implies that the action is being suggested as the best option, often by an expert or authority.