alter the course

USAGE SUMMARY

'alter the course' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone has changed the direction of an action or decision. For example: "The decline in sales numbers was unexpected, but the CEO decided to alter the course of the company and invest in a new product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The journey was to alter the course of penicillin's development.

The Guardian

But if replicated, experts said, the study's results will significantly alter the course of psychiatric research.

The New York Times - Health

The interview itself, broadcast last week, will not alter the course of Western democracy.

The New York Times

It is a decision that is to alter the course of her life.

The Guardian - Books

Harris believed that saturation bombing would alter the course of the conflict.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And then by asking: did the books published in this year alter the course of literature?

The Guardian - Books

It shows how a chance meeting can alter the course of your life forever.

The Guardian

He has promised an announcement next week that "could alter the course of this country".

The New York Times

Dan doesn't find himself in 1977 to alter the course of the New York City blackout.

The New York Times

It was a fortuitous move that would alter the course of his life and career.

The Guardian - Arts

In fact, Beijing has the power to dramatically alter the course of history in the DPRK.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "alter the course" when you want to emphasize a significant change in direction or development. It's suitable for describing shifts in strategies, lives, or historical events.

Common error

Avoid using "alter the course" for minor adjustments. This phrase implies a substantial change, so ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alter the course" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable. It describes the act of changing the direction or development of something, as shown in examples like "alter the course of penicillin's development".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alter the course" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant change in direction or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across varied contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. While synonyms like "change the trajectory" and "modify the direction" exist, "alter the course" specifically implies a notable and intentional shift. When writing, ensure the context warrants the gravity of this expression, avoiding its use for minor adjustments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change the trajectory

Focuses on changing the path or direction, often in a more literal or physical sense.

modify the direction

Emphasizes adjusting or changing the heading or orientation.

influence the outcome

Highlights the impact on the final result rather than the process.

reshape the future

Suggests a more significant and impactful change with long-term consequences.

redirect the path

Implies steering something onto a different route.

deviate from the plan

Focuses on departing from a pre-set strategy or intention.

shift the focus

Highlights a change in attention or emphasis.

adjust the approach

Refers to modifying the method or strategy used.

reorient the strategy

Implies changing the overall direction of a plan or approach.

turn things around

Suggests reversing a negative trend or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "alter the course" in a sentence?

You can use "alter the course" to describe how a decision, event, or action changes the direction of something. For example: "The new policy will "alter the course" of the company's development."

What are some alternatives to "alter the course"?

Alternatives include "change the trajectory", "modify the direction", or "influence the outcome", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "altering the course" instead of "alter the course"?

Yes, "altering the course" is the gerund or present participle form of the phrase. Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "altering the course" is used in continuous tenses or as a noun. For example, "Altering the course" /s/altering+the+course of the project required significant revisions.

What's the difference between "alter the course" and "change the course"?

While "alter" and "change" are synonyms, "alter the course" often implies a more deliberate or significant shift than simply "change the course". The choice depends on the desired emphasis.