change course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "change course" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that something should change direction, either literally or figuratively. For example: "The company needs to change course quickly if it is to avoid financial collapse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Should America change course?

The Economist

3. Should you change course?

The New York Times

We need to change course.

The New York Times

Why can't they change course?

The New Yorker

The U.N. must change course.

The New York Times

Or to change course.

The Guardian - Opinion

They must change course.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Unless we change course. . .

The Washington Post

He needs to change course".

The Guardian

"You need to change course".

The New York Times

What made the district attorney change course?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "change course" to indicate a necessary alteration in strategy or direction due to new information or unforeseen circumstances. Be clear about what necessitates the change and what the new course will entail.

Common error

Avoid using "change course" when a minor adjustment is sufficient. This phrase implies a significant alteration, not just a slight tweak.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "change course" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used transitively to indicate the act of altering a direction or strategy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "change course" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies a shift in direction, strategy, or approach. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts. As our analysis reveals, "change course" appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academia sources. While alternatives like "adjust strategy" or "modify approach" exist, "change course" provides a clear and concise way to communicate the need for a significant alteration. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants a substantial shift, rather than a minor tweak.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alter direction

Focuses on the direction of movement rather than the overall plan.

adjust strategy

Specifically refers to modifying a plan to achieve a goal.

modify approach

Emphasizes adapting the method used to tackle a task.

shift gears

Suggests a change in pace or intensity, but also in strategy.

take a different path

Implies choosing an alternative route to reach the same destination.

rethink tactics

Highlights the re-evaluation and adjustment of specific actions.

correct trajectory

Focuses on adjusting the path to achieve a desired outcome.

make an about-face

Suggests a complete reversal of opinion or policy.

turn the corner

Indicates a positive change after a period of difficulty.

deviate from the plan

Signals a departure from the original plan, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "change course" to suggest a shift in direction, strategy, or approach. For example, "The project needs to "change course" if it wants to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "change course"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "adjust strategy", "modify approach", or "alter direction".

When is it appropriate to use "change course"?

It's appropriate to use "change course" when a significant alteration in strategy or direction is needed due to new information or unforeseen circumstances. It implies more than just a minor adjustment.

What's the difference between "change course" and "make adjustments"?

"Change course" suggests a more substantial alteration in strategy, while "make adjustments" implies minor refinements or tweaks to an existing plan.