a set course

USAGE SUMMARY

"a set course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a predetermined path that needs to be followed. For example: In order to graduate, each student must complete a set course of classes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The economy is (broadly) on a set course.

The Economist

Time-trial Individually timed over a set course; drafting is banned.

The Guardian - Sport

A directionally unstable ship is easy to maneuver, while a stable ship requires less energy expenditure by its steering gear in maintaining a set course.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The contests include street races with a set course and scavenger hunts that require riders to search for an odd assortment of items.

The New York Times

As in road races — like the Tour de France or the Giro d'Italia — contestants followed a set course, riding in packs nearly wheel to wheel.

The New York Times

In particular it illustrates the difficulties when financial pressures force services to deliver a set course of treatment, rather than respond to the individual.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Of course, when you start collecting is an individual decision, and no set course of action applies to everyone.

The Washington Post

University course timetabling is concerned with assigning a set of courses to a set of rooms and timeslots according to a set of constraints.

Journal of Computational Science

But she added that the bond-buying program was "not on a pre-set course".

The Guardian - Business

She said the purchases are not on a pre-set course, repeating the Fed's policy line.

Huffington Post

Lunch is a set three-course menu at $15.95, or a la carte $7.95 to $11.95.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a set course" when you want to emphasize the predetermined and unchangeable nature of a path or plan.

Common error

Avoid using "a set course" when the path or plan is flexible or subject to change. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "a general direction" or "a flexible plan".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a set course" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It is used to describe a route or plan that is predetermined and usually unchangeable, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

19%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a set course" is a grammatically sound phrase that refers to a predetermined path, plan, or curriculum. Ludwig AI indicates that it's suitable for use across various contexts, from describing a literal race route to outlining a business strategy. While it's generally used in neutral registers, its presence in news, encyclopedias, and business contexts underscores its broad applicability. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the fixed and unchangeable nature of the path or plan being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fixed route

This alternative focuses on the physical path, emphasizing its immutability.

a predetermined path

This phrase highlights that the path was decided in advance.

an established plan

This alternative shifts the focus to a plan rather than a physical path.

a defined route

This implies the route is clearly marked and specified.

a prearranged route

This highlights that the arrangement of the route was done beforehand.

a structured program

Emphasizes the systematic nature of the plan.

a prescribed itinerary

This suggests a formal and detailed plan for a journey.

a mandatory curriculum

This alternative is specifically for academic contexts, indicating required studies.

a designated trajectory

This suggests a predetermined path in space or time.

an immutable agenda

This focuses on the unchangeable aspect of the plan or schedule.

FAQs

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

You can use "a set course" to describe a predetermined route, such as "The runners followed a set course through the park", or to refer to a plan that is already decided, such as "The company has "an established plan" for the next quarter".

What are some alternatives to "a set course"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a fixed route", "a predetermined path", or ""an established plan"".

Is it appropriate to use "a set course" in formal writing?

Yes, "a set course" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing strategies or plans that are firmly established. It is also suitable in academic and scientific contexts where precision is important.

What is the difference between "a set course" and "setting a course"?

"A set course" refers to a course that has already been determined or established, while "setting a course" refers to the action of establishing or determining a direction or plan. For example, "The ship followed a set course" versus "The captain is setting a course for the destination".