approximate course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximate course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a rough or estimated direction or path, often in contexts like navigation, planning, or education. Example: "We need to establish an approximate course for the project timeline to ensure we stay on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

LFR holds were more accurate than NDB holds, since NDB holding courses are predicated on the accuracy of the on board magnetic compass, whereas the LFR hold was as accurate as the LFR leg, with an approximate course width of 3°.

Wikipedia

For some time in the first half of the 20th century, a narrow-gauge railway traversed Žirmūnai following the approximate course of the modern Minties Street; it crossed over the River Neris on a bridge located near the modern Šilas Bridge, as can be seen in the 1942 map of Vilnius.

Wikipedia

Only the approximate course of the wall is known: it began at the Church of St. Anthony at the Golden Horn, near the modern Atatürk Bridge, ran southwest and then southwards, passed east of the great open cisterns of Mocius and of Aspar, and ended near the Church of the Theotokos of the Rhabdos on the Propontis coast, somewhere between the later sea gates of St. Aemilianus and Psamathos.

Wikipedia

The approximate course fee ranged between 1000 1700 USD.

BMC Medical Education

The master's courses were offered for duration of 1 2 years with approximate course fee ranging between 2000 3000 USD.

BMC Medical Education

Given that knowledge loss is multifactorial (initial learning and ongoing rehearsal) it is unlikely that student evaluations (able only to approximate course quality and therefore perhaps initial learning) would be good predictors of long term retention.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The number you see up there is approximate, of course.

Los Angeles Times

Adding to the linear regression, a second or third degree regression can be used to also approximate the course.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Some of the hen's role must be approximated, of course.

The New York Times

Some approximations, of course, are more approximate than others.

Los Angeles Times

Recently, a friend of mine calculated the approximate cost per course for a full-time student with an average course load at Duke or another private university with a hefty price tag: $2978-ish 2978-ish

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine it with the nature of action, for example: approximate course width, approximate time course.

Common error

Avoid using "approximate course" when you actually have precise data. Overusing "approximate" can undermine the credibility of your statement. Prefer using the word "estimated" in such a case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximate course" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "approximate" modifies the noun "course". It indicates a route or path that is not precisely determined but is close to the actual or intended one. Ludwig provides examples where it describes routes, fees, and wall locations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

41%

Wiki

21%

News & Media

21%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "approximate course" is a useful way to describe a route, plan, or direction that is not precisely defined. It is considered grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's important to ensure the context fits an estimation rather than needing precise details. Common usage includes describing routes in navigation, timelines in project management, and estimating locations. While less common than simpler alternatives, "approximate course" adds a layer of professional precision to your writing. Remember to avoid overstating certainty and select the most appropriate synonym based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximate route

Very similar, simply replaces 'course' with 'route', a synonym.

estimated direction

Focuses on predicted heading, often in navigation or planning.

general direction

Emphasizes the broad sense of movement without specific details.

projected course

Implies a forecast or prediction of the path.

estimated route

Focuses on the expected path, implying a calculation or prediction.

rough path

Highlights the lack of precision in the direction.

approximate trajectory

Specifically refers to the curved path of an object in motion, adding a technical nuance.

indicative plan

The alternative focuses more on the planning aspects.

tentative plan

Shifts focus from physical path to a planned strategy, implying flexibility.

preliminary itinerary

Highlights the scheduling aspect of an anticipated route.

FAQs

What does "approximate course" mean?

The phrase "approximate course" refers to a roughly estimated or not precisely defined direction or path. It implies an estimation rather than an exact measurement.

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

You can use it to describe a route that is not exact, such as, "The pilot set an approximate course to avoid the storm" or "The detective followed the approximate course the suspect was believed to have taken".

What are some alternatives to "approximate course"?

Alternatives include "estimated route", "rough path", or "general direction". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "approximate course" or "exact course"?

The choice depends on the accuracy of the information. Use "approximate course" when you have an estimation and "exact course" when you have precise details. If you need to define a route but you don't know its details, then you could use the phrase "approximate course".