charting a course

USAGE SUMMARY

"charting a course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the process of developing an approach or plan of action to achieve a specific goal. For example: "We are charting a course to increase profits by 25% this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

How To Run the World: Charting a Course to the Next Renaissance.

The Economist

Charting a course among the many highways and byways of fashion requires a certain navigational skill.

The New York Times

Spiritually, the Four Freedoms Park captures the highest hopes of the 32nd president in charting a course through global travail.

The New York Times

Thus tracking them down seems as good a premise as any for charting a course around this immense country.

Independent

But Ms. Simmons's lectures and books offered practical advice for charting a course between "mean girl" and "good girl".

The New York Times

Charting a course through the racial terrain of the post-civil-rights era is tricky, Mr. Sims said.

The New York Times

How did we end up charting a course to timidly go where every man has been before?

The New York Times

In its most simplistic form, financial planning is the process of charting a course from where you are today to where you want to go.

The New York Times

What you don't do is Apollo on steroids".Dr Griffin, therefore, has the difficult job of charting a course among these competing mini-visions.

The Economist

I will continue to stand with its government in charting a course that can build the stable and prosperous country that its resources and traditions can make possible.

Independent

Charting a course that ameliorates the problems left by the last leverage fiasco while minimizing the chances for a new one was never going to be easy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "charting a course", ensure the context clearly indicates what the course is being charted for. Be specific about the desired outcome or destination.

Common error

Avoid using "charting a course" in overly abstract or vague situations where a more direct or simpler phrase would be more effective. Overusing metaphorical language can dilute the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "charting a course" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as part of the predicate in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across diverse contexts. It describes the action of planning or devising a strategy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "charting a course" is a commonly used phrase that signifies the process of planning or strategizing a specific path or direction. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English, typically found in news, science, and formal business contexts. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in overly abstract situations. Alternatives such as "plotting a route" or "devising a strategy" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plotting a route

Focuses on the detailed mapping of a journey or plan.

devising a strategy

Emphasizes the creation of a comprehensive plan to achieve a specific goal.

setting a direction

Highlights the act of establishing a general path or orientation.

formulating a plan

Stresses the process of developing a structured approach.

establishing a trajectory

Implies setting a specific and often long-term path.

laying out a roadmap

Suggests creating a detailed guide for future actions.

defining a pathway

Focuses on clarifying a route or method to follow.

creating a blueprint

Emphasizes the design of a detailed plan as a model for future actions.

setting out guidelines

Highlights the establishment of rules or recommendations for a specific activity.

paving the way

Implies preparing a situation or making it easier for something to happen.

FAQs

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

"Charting a course" is used to describe the process of planning or deciding on a specific path or strategy. For example, "The company is "charting a course" towards sustainable development".

What are some alternatives to "charting a course"?

Alternatives include "plotting a route", "devising a strategy", or "setting a direction", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "chart a course" or "charting a course"?

Both "chart a course" and "charting a course" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Chart a course" is often used as an imperative, while "charting a course" is used as a continuous action. For example, "We must "chart a course" for the future" versus "They are "charting a course" to improve their financial stability".

What does "charting a course" imply?

"Charting a course" implies careful planning and strategic decision-making to reach a specific goal or destination. It suggests a deliberate and thoughtful approach to navigating a complex situation.