course of action

USAGE SUMMARY

"course of action" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a plan of action or a series of steps taken in order to achieve a particular goal. For example, "The committee agreed on a course of action to address the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone would prefer that course of action.

The New York Times

Appraisal is a difficult course of action.

The New York Times

"None suggested any course of action.

The New York Times - Magazine

His course of action seemed clear.

The Economist

Is there a better course of action?

The New York Times - Magazine

"That's the wisest course of action".

The Guardian

This course of action is regrettable.

The New York Times

One course of action was therapy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's certainly the safest course of action.

The New York Times - Travel

Gallegos had no good course of action.

The New York Times

That's the proper course of action.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "course of action" when you want to refer to a specific plan or strategy designed to achieve a defined objective. It works well in formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "course of action" in very informal conversations might sound overly formal. In casual settings, consider simpler alternatives like "plan" or "way to go".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "course of action" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a specific strategy or plan intended to achieve a particular goal. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in describing intended actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "course of action" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a specific plan or strategy, often in pursuit of a defined goal. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, science, and business contexts, lending itself well to formal and neutral communications. While alternatives like "plan" or "strategy" may suit informal settings, "course of action" is appropriate for describing a well-defined series of steps. The phrase is widely employed across authoritative sources, confirming its acceptance in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plan of action

Focuses on the structured planning aspect of a strategy.

strategic approach

Emphasizes the strategic and thoughtful nature of the plan.

decided strategy

Highlights the decision-making process behind the chosen plan.

proposed solution

Highlights the problem-solving aspect of the intended actions.

suggested method

Implies a recommendation or a way of doing something.

recommended procedure

Refers to a more formal and standardized approach.

intended path

Emphasizes the intention and direction of the actions.

chosen route

Conveys a sense of direction and progress toward a destination.

line of attack

Suggests a more aggressive and direct approach to solving a problem.

game plan

Implies a detailed and well-thought-out strategy, often used in a business or sports context.

FAQs

How can I use "course of action" in a sentence?

You can use "course of action" to describe a plan or strategy for achieving a goal. For example, "The board decided on a new course of action to increase profits."

What's a simpler way to say "course of action"?

Alternatives to "course of action" include "plan of action", "strategy", or "method", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "course of action"?

While grammatically correct, "course of action" can sound formal in casual conversation. Choose simpler alternatives when speaking informally.

What's the difference between "course of action" and "plan"?

"Course of action" often implies a more formal and structured approach than simply a "plan", suggesting a series of steps designed to achieve a specific outcome.