chart the course

USAGE SUMMARY

"chart the course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to signify the act of plotting out a course or a path for a particular activity or goal. For example, "With the new departmental budget, we must chart the course for how the funds will be used."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By Jane Kramer Montaigne's essays chart the course of twenty years of self-investigation.

The New Yorker

Once you've given up on that, chart the course of a little pendulum for two hours".

The Guardian

As leaders in technology manufacturing, they should chart the course for others to follow.

The New York Times

They wanted to chart the course of that victory over the eventual losers.

The New York Times - Science

This conversation would allow for us to chart the course of our relations for the next four years".

The Guardian

A life based on glamour alone signifies precisely nothing as The Divine Comedy chart the course to a life wasted.

The Guardian - Music

With your help, the next issue of TQ will try to chart the course of the telecoms recovery.

The Economist

"As C.E.O., I have a responsibility to chart the course for long-term success for the network.

The New York Times

Some films chart the course of a single river: the sacred Ganges, the much-dammed Colorado and the mighty Amazon.

The New York Times - Science

"The great accomplishment" of this droll novel is "Lipman's ability to chart the course of this mismatch in an utterly persuasive way," Karen Karbo said here last year.

The New York Times - Books

"We are going to chart the course for the rest of the country," said the state's lieutenant governor, Rebecca Kleefisch, who is also being recalled.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chart the course", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being planned or directed. For example, "The committee will chart the course for the next five years."

Common error

Avoid using "chart the course" when referring to minor adjustments or changes. This phrase is best suited for describing significant strategic planning or directional shifts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chart the course" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used idiomatically to describe the act of planning, directing, or determining a specific path or strategy. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chart the course" is a very common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe the act of planning or directing a specific path or strategy. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and formal business settings. It conveys the idea of setting a direction or making strategic decisions. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being planned or directed, and avoid using it for minor adjustments. Alternatives include "map out the strategy", "lay out the plan", and "set the direction", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set a course of action

A more formal alternative, emphasizing a series of steps taken.

map out the strategy

Focuses more on strategic planning than overall direction.

lay out the plan

Emphasizes the detailed arrangement of a plan.

devise a strategy

Highlights the creation of a strategic approach.

set the direction

Concentrates on establishing a general path or aim.

outline the procedure

Focuses on the steps of a process rather than the overall goal.

establish the roadmap

Implies a detailed plan for achieving a specific goal.

determine the approach

Centers on choosing a method or way of dealing with something.

define the methodology

Highlights a specific set of methods used in a particular discipline.

forge a path

Suggests creating a new or innovative route.

FAQs

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

You can use "chart the course" to describe the act of planning or directing a specific path or strategy. For example: "The company needs to "chart the course" for its future growth."

What's a good alternative to "chart the course"?

Alternatives include "map out the strategy", "lay out the plan", or "set the direction", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "chart the course" in formal writing?

Yes, "chart the course" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing strategic planning or directional decisions. It's commonly used in business, news, and academic contexts.

What does it mean to "chart the course" for a project?

To "chart the course" for a project means to define the project's goals, strategies, and steps needed to achieve success. It involves creating a clear plan and direction for the project's execution.