course by course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "course by course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or method that is done step by step or in stages, often in relation to a meal or a structured plan. Example: "The dinner was served course by course, allowing guests to savor each dish before moving on to the next."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The retaining wall was built course by course and backed course by course with one layer of heavy local stone.

Harvard University

We inevitably begin to count: one, two, three… course by course; then lose count and recount.

The Guardian - Arts

Inside the backing, the mastaba was filled course by course (approximately) with clean mason's debris.

Harvard University

Finally, course by course, degree conferral evaluations must be submitted for all international transcripts by WES.

Yale University

Transfer credit is assessed by each academic department on a course by course basis.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

At the end of the day, what's really important is how do you balance semester by semester, course by course, the workload over four or five years".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

For degrees earned outside the United States (with the exception of English speaking Canada), credits must be evaluated by WES World Education Servicess, www.wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators (www.ece.org) with a course-by course evaluation.

Johns Hopkins University

Mrs. Sprackling gave a course-by-course commentary through the microphone.

The New Yorker

WES must complete a course-by-course evaluation of all post-secondary credentials.

Columbia University

We require a full course-by-course evaluation of your records.

Columbia University

The report must include a degree-equivalent evaluation and course-by-course equivalent evaluation.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In culinary contexts, "course by course" is best used to describe the structured serving of a multi-course meal, enhancing the dining experience.

Common error

Avoid using "course by course" in informal conversations where simpler alternatives like "step by step" or "one at a time" are more appropriate. It can sound overly formal or pedantic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "course by course" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. It specifies that the action is carried out in a sequential, incremental manner, often implying a structured process, like reviewing a transcript as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "course by course" is a versatile phrase with primarily adverbial function. It's grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in academic, news, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage. When writing, consider the level of formality required and whether a more general term like "step by step" would be more appropriate. The phrase serves to clarify a methodic, incremental approach, as confirmed by various reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step by step

Implies a more general, gradual progression, less specific to academic or culinary contexts.

stage by stage

Similar to "step by step", but implies a more defined set of phases or stages.

phase by phase

Similar to "stage by stage", highlighting defined phases.

incrementally

Focuses on the gradual increase or progression, often in a numerical sense.

progressively

Emphasizes the continuous advancement or development over time.

one at a time

Highlights the sequential and singular nature of the action, lacking the structured sense of "course by course".

in sequence

Focuses on the ordered nature of the progression, lacking the specific evaluation or structured aspect.

module by module

Relates to modular learning or assessment contexts.

item by item

Suggests a detailed examination of individual items, often in an inventory or checklist context.

piecemeal

Implies a gradual accumulation or process, often with a sense of disorganization or lack of planning.

FAQs

How to use "course by course" in a sentence?

The phrase "course by course" is used to describe a process that occurs in stages or increments. For example, "The meal was served course by course, allowing us to savor each dish" or "The university evaluates international transcripts on a course-by-course basis".

What can I say instead of "course by course"?

You can use alternatives like "step by step", "incrementally", or "one at a time" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "course by course"?

"Course by course" is appropriate when describing a detailed, incremental process, especially in academic evaluations or culinary service. It emphasizes a structured and sequential approach.

What's the difference between "course by course" and "step by step"?

While both phrases describe a process that occurs incrementally, "course by course" typically implies a more structured or formal evaluation or serving sequence, often in academic or culinary settings. "Step by step" is more general and applicable to a wider range of situations.