a steady course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to maintaining a consistent direction or approach in various contexts, such as navigation, decision-making, or personal goals. Example: "Despite the challenges, the team decided to maintain a steady course towards their objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jeff kept us on a steady course and allowed us to flourish under his leadership.

The New York Times

Daniel Barenboim, 58, ploughs a steady course with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

The Economist

Instead, "we are steering a steady course toward economic oligarchy, if we are not there already".

The New York Times

I munificently doled out smiles and handshakes while maintaining a steady course for the front door.

The New Yorker

IN ONE respect, at least, the men who drive Russia's economy followed a steady course.

The Economist

"China's economy will stay on a steady course with fairly fast growth.

The Guardian

In that way, moral thoughts and emotions keep people on a steady course of moral actions.

The New York Times - Health

Crosswinds would blow, he told them, but they should maintain a steady course.

The New York Times - Sports

But we continue to steer a steady course through choppy waters," Hayward said.

The Guardian - Business

Labour has got the economy on a steady course; which meant taking some difficult decisions.

The Guardian

He pledged to "plot a steady course" over the coming months.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine the phrase with verbs like "maintain", "hold", "steer", or "keep" to describe the action of staying on "a steady course".

Common error

Avoid using "a steady course" when referring to rapid or dramatic changes. The phrase implies stability and consistency, so it's not suitable for describing situations where flexibility or adaptability are key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady course" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of verbs like maintain, steer, or keep. It indicates the act of adhering to a consistent and stable direction or approach. Ludwig examples show it's widely used in various contexts to denote stability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a steady course" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies maintaining a consistent direction or approach. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business. The phrase conveys stability and commitment and is often paired with verbs like maintain, steer, or keep. When writing, consider using "a consistent path" or "a stable direction" as alternatives to add variety while retaining similar meaning. Avoiding using "a steady course" when rapid change is required. Overall, this phrase provides clarity and emphasis on stability in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consistent path

Emphasizes the uniformity and lack of deviation in the route taken.

a stable direction

Highlights the absence of fluctuation or instability in the chosen heading.

a constant trajectory

Focuses on the unchanging nature of the line followed over time.

a firm bearing

Suggests a strong and unwavering sense of direction or purpose.

a sustained approach

Highlights the endurance and continuation of a particular method.

a regular rhythm

Implies a predictable and even pattern of progress or activity.

a measured pace

Conveys the idea of controlled and deliberate speed or progress.

an even keel

Indicates a state of stability and balance, particularly in challenging situations.

a predictable pattern

Emphasizes the anticipated and consistent nature of events or behaviors.

a fixed orientation

Implies a determined and unchangeable alignment or perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "a steady course" to describe maintaining a consistent direction or approach. For example, "The company decided to maintain "a steady course" despite the market volatility".

What's the difference between "a steady course" and "a consistent approach"?

"A steady course" often implies navigation or direction, suggesting movement towards a goal with minimal deviation. "A consistent approach" is broader, referring to maintaining uniformity in methods or strategies.

Which is correct, "maintain a steady course" or "take a steady course"?

"Maintain a steady course" is the more common and idiomatic expression. While "take a steady course" isn't grammatically incorrect, it's less frequently used and may sound slightly unnatural.

What can I say instead of "a steady course" to describe progress?

You could use alternatives like "a consistent path", "a stable direction", or "a constant trajectory depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.