chart a course

USAGE SUMMARY

"chart a course" is an idiomatic phrase that is used in spoken and written English.
It is used to suggest that a plan of action should be determined, and the necessary steps taken to reach a desired goal. For example, "The CEO charted a course to ensure the company's success in the coming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He decided he was going to chart a course in his life to have absolutely no regrets.

Huffington Post

A — Why, we'll chart a course.

The New Yorker

Predictability makes it easier to chart a course towards success.

Stanford University

They have about a minute to chart a course and execute it.

The Guardian

But this question is also urgent for anyone trying to chart a course through daily life.

The New York Times - Books

You can't chart a course for the future or bring about change merely by analyzing history.

Harvard Business Review

Rather and crucially, Tegmark wants us to chart a course between those two poles.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

How, as educators and IT professionals, do we chart a course through this technology minefield?

Princeton University

His one hope, we come to realise, is to chart a course towards the shipping lanes and possible salvation.

The Guardian - Film

Finally, Mr. Kostunica's government must convincingly chart a course away from the corruption that epitomized the Milosevic regime.

The New York Times

Rarely sentimental or swayed by personal allegiances, he will have to chart a course that may include some painful choices.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chart a course", consider the level of detail and commitment you want to convey. For high-level strategic planning, it's perfect. For more tactical steps, consider "lay out a plan".

Common error

Avoid using "chart a course" when describing very short-term or tactical actions. This phrase is best suited for strategic, long-term planning. For immediate actions, use verbs like "execute" or "implement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chart a course" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It signifies the act of planning and directing a specific path or strategy. Ludwig examples show it used to describe planning in business, personal life, and even fictional scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chart a course" is a versatile and widely used phrase that signifies the act of planning and setting a direction, as reinforced by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, from formal business strategies to personal development. While highly applicable, it's essential to use it appropriately, favoring strategic, long-term planning over tactical, short-term actions. The phrase is most prevalent in news and media, academia, and formal business settings, showcasing its broad appeal and relevance in contemporary communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

map out a strategy

Emphasizes the detailed planning aspect, like creating a map to guide actions.

lay out a plan

Focuses on the structured development of a plan.

formulate a strategy

Highlights the careful and deliberate creation of a strategic approach.

devise a scheme

Suggests a more inventive and sometimes subtly manipulative approach to planning.

establish a route

Focuses on setting a particular path or direction.

set a trajectory

Implies defining a projected path or line of development.

design a blueprint

Implies creating a detailed design for future action.

outline a method

Emphasizes the systematic approach to achieve a specific outcome.

develop a roadmap

Suggests creating a high-level plan with key milestones and checkpoints.

set a direction

Focuses on the act of choosing and committing to a particular direction or aim.

FAQs

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

You can use "chart a course" to describe creating a plan of action. For instance, "The company needs to "chart a course" for the next five years".

What does "chart a course" mean?

The phrase "chart a course" means to plan a route or direction, especially for a journey or a course of action. It suggests setting goals and determining the steps to achieve them.

What can I say instead of "chart a course"?

You can use alternatives like "map out a strategy", "lay out a plan", or "formulate a strategy" depending on the specific context.

Is "chart a course" a formal or informal expression?

"Chart a course" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is suitable for business, academic, and general communication, making it a versatile phrase.