are on course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are on course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is progressing in the right direction or is on track to achieve a goal. Example: "The team is working hard, and we are on course to meet our project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the UK, e-books are "on course to outsell printed editions by 2018".

TechCrunch

France are on course, and no one will relish facing them.

The Guardian - Sport

The success means England are on course for a one-day series victory over Pakistan in alien conditions.

Independent

Works started in spring 2011 and are on course to be completed one year ahead of schedule in 2015.

BBC

They are on course.

The Economist

In Poland, meanwhile, preparations are on course.

The New York Times - Sports

They are on course to become a minority by 2044.

The Economist

ReprintsBarring last-minute hitches, both projects are on course.

The Economist

But we are on course to win the Iraq war.

The New York Times

The overwhelming majority of venues, though, are on course.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In fact, we may be off-course more often than we are on-course.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are on course" to clearly indicate that a project, plan, or endeavor is progressing as expected and is likely to achieve its intended outcome. Ensure the context provides a specific goal or destination.

Common error

Avoid using "are on course" if the situation is unstable or the future outcome is highly uncertain. The phrase implies a degree of predictability and stability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are on course" functions as a predicate phrase, indicating that a subject is progressing as planned or expected towards a specific goal or destination. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is frequently used to describe the status of projects, plans, or achievements in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are on course" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate that something is progressing as expected towards a specific goal. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, business, and general informative writing. To ensure clarity, it's best to use it when the outcome is reasonably predictable and the progress is stable. Alternative phrases such as "are on track" or "are progressing well" can be used for similar meanings, but with slight differences in nuance. Remember to avoid using this phrase in situations with high uncertainty or instability. With 58 examples, Ludwig highlights that this phrase is a useful and recognizable way to communicate progress and achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are on track

This alternative is very similar, directly indicating that progress is being made as planned.

are on schedule

A direct synonym focusing on timeliness and meeting deadlines.

are progressing well

This alternative highlights the positive nature of the progress being made.

are advancing steadily

This alternative emphasizes the consistent and stable nature of the progress.

are moving forward as expected

This alternative emphasizes the alignment of progress with initial expectations.

are proceeding according to plan

This alternative emphasizes adherence to a predetermined plan or schedule.

are heading towards success

Focuses on the positive outcome that the current progress is expected to deliver.

are set to achieve

Emphasizes the high likelihood of reaching a specific target or goal.

are poised to reach

Similar to 'set to achieve', but implies a state of readiness and anticipation.

are in line to accomplish

Indicates a favorable position to complete a goal, often used in competitive contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "are on course" in a sentence?

Use "are on course" to indicate that something is progressing as planned and is likely to achieve its goal. For example: "The project team "are on course" to finish by the deadline".

What can I say instead of "are on course"?

You can use alternatives like "are on track", "are progressing well", or "are on schedule" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "are on course"?

It's appropriate to use "are on course" when you want to convey that something is moving in the right direction and is expected to achieve its intended outcome without significant deviations or setbacks.

What's the difference between "are on course" and "are on track"?

While both phrases are similar, "are on course" often implies a longer-term trajectory or a more strategic objective, whereas "are on track" can refer to more immediate progress or adherence to a specific timeline. The phrases are largely interchangeable.