change of course

USAGE SUMMARY

"change of course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe when someone or something alters their trajectory or what they are doing. For example, "After seeing the economic downturn, the company decided to make a change of course and shifted its focus from expansion to cost-cutting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Times change, of course.

Independent

Tastes change, of course.

The New York Times - Arts

"But that could change, of course".

The New York Times

Few movies achieve cultural change of course.

The New York Times

That will change, of course.

The Guardian - Books

It did change, of course.

The New York Times

That would change, of course...

The New York Times - Books

Some things almost never change, of course.

The New York Times

Some things never change, of course.

The Guardian

These figures could change, of course.

The New Yorker

Change, of course, did not come immediately.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "change of course" to indicate a deliberate alteration in strategy, direction, or behavior, especially when responding to new information or unforeseen circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "change of course" when only a minor adjustment is made. The phrase implies a significant shift, so use words like "adjustment" or "tweak" for smaller alterations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "change of course" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing alterations in strategy, policy, or direction. Ludwig AI indicates that is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "change of course" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a significant shift in strategy, direction, or policy. It's widely used in news, business, and general writing. Ludwig highlights its proper usage and versatility. While a prevalent phrase, ensure it aligns with the magnitude of the shift you're describing, opting for alternatives like "adjustment" for minor tweaks. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is readily understood and suitable for various formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change in direction

A more literal and general term for altering the path or trajectory, applicable in various contexts.

shift in strategy

Focuses specifically on a change in strategic planning or approach, often in a business or political context.

altered tactic

Highlights a modification in a specific method used to achieve a goal.

about-face

Indicates a complete and often surprising reversal of opinion or action.

reversal of policy

Implies a complete turnaround from a previously established policy or set of guidelines.

pivot

Emphasizes a quick and decisive shift, often in response to changing circumstances.

new approach

Suggests a novel method or way of dealing with a situation, emphasizing innovation.

rethinking the approach

Implies a more thoughtful and deliberate reconsideration of how something is being done.

adjustment in plans

A milder term suggesting a minor alteration to existing plans rather than a complete overhaul.

deviation from the norm

Highlights the act of straying from standard practices or expected behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "change of course" to describe a shift in direction or strategy. For example, "The company decided to make a "change of course" after the market analysis revealed new trends".

What's a more formal alternative to "change of course"?

In formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "shift in strategy" or "reversal of policy", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "change of course" appropriate for describing small adjustments?

No, "change of course" implies a significant alteration. For minor adjustments, consider words like "adjustment" or "slight modification".

What's the difference between "change of course" and "change in direction"?

"Change of course" often implies a more strategic or deliberate shift, while "change in direction" can be more literal or general. The choice depends on the specific context.