charts the course

USAGE SUMMARY

"charts the course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of plotting a route or creating a plan for the future. For example, "The patient's doctor will need to chart the course of their recovery from this traumatic injury."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

He only charts the course and steers.

The New York Times

He charts the course of environmental regulation.

The New Yorker

The breathtaking collection of models, photographs and drawings charts the course of 20th-century architecture and urbanism.

The New York Times

Jimmy Liao, a Taiwanese illustrator, charts the course of this journey in crisp, bright, digitally enhanced pen-and-­watercolor graphics.

The New York Times - Books

Fontane charts the course of the Holks' marital decline in his usual desultory way — there's a slow accumulation of talk and events, and then that climactic fillip.

The New Yorker

The play that charts the course of Ollie's life on the game is, like the story that inspired it, called "One Arm".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

While Billy was steering, he was charting the course in the back of his mind.

The Guardian - Sport

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

Some are new, charting the course of a few of the choreographers' recent work.

The New York Times - Arts

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "charts the course" with a clear destination or objective to provide context and impact. For example: "The new CEO charts the course for the company's future growth."

Common error

While "charts the course" is inherently metaphorical, avoid layering additional metaphors on top of it. Overdoing this can make your writing convoluted and difficult to understand. Instead, focus on clear and direct language to support the core metaphor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "charts the course" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It signifies the action of planning, outlining, or directing a particular path or strategy. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is commonly used in written English to describe plotting a route or creating a future plan.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "charts the course" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of planning or mapping out a strategy or direction. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently found in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media, and less so in science and formal business settings. Related phrases such as "outlines the strategy" and "defines the roadmap" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "charts the course", it's best to provide a clear objective and avoid layering too many metaphors to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outlines the strategy

Focuses on detailing the specific steps and methods of achieving a goal, rather than just the overall direction.

defines the roadmap

Emphasizes a visual and sequential representation of a plan, suggesting a clear set of milestones and destinations.

establishes the direction

Highlights the act of setting a clear path or aim, often implying a leadership role in determining where to go.

sets the agenda

Indicates the act of creating a list of items to be addressed or actions to be taken, often in a formal or structured setting.

plots the trajectory

Emphasizes the path over time, typically used in situations involving movement or progression toward a goal.

formulates the plan

Highlights the creation of a detailed and structured approach, often implying a systematic process.

guides the process

Emphasizes active management and support throughout a series of steps, focusing on ensuring smooth execution.

steers the ship

A metaphorical expression indicating leadership and control, especially in navigating challenges and maintaining direction.

manages the undertaking

Focuses on overseeing and coordinating all aspects of a project or task, ensuring it stays on track and achieves its objectives.

architects the approach

Implies a carefully designed and structured method, highlighting the strategic and thoughtful planning involved.

FAQs

What does "charts the course" mean?

The phrase "charts the course" means to plan or map out a specific route or strategy, often for achieving a goal or navigating a situation. It implies a deliberate and thoughtful approach.

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

You can use "charts the course" to describe how someone is planning a strategy. For example: "The committee "outlines the strategy" for the upcoming marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to "charts the course"?

Some alternatives to "charts the course" include "defines the roadmap", "establishes the direction", or "sets the agenda". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "charts the course" is suitable for formal writing. It is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports. However, ensure that your overall tone and style remain consistent with the formality of the document.