course of austerity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "course of austerity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period or path characterized by strict economic measures or reductions in spending. Example: "The government implemented a course of austerity to address the rising national debt and stabilize the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The government that had put the country through an assault course of austerity would soon be over.

The Guardian

There is not much to cherish in the legacy of the administration that set Britain on an ill-judged course of austerity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her course of austerity for struggling countries such as Greece always aimed to serve German interests and those of German banks.

The Guardian - Opinion

One can only hope that this scenario does not come to pass, and that the southern countries stay the course of austerity.

The Guardian - Business

For the last several years, governments in the US and UK have chosen a misguided course of austerity, leading to disappointing economic growth in both countries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Britain's chancellor, George Osborne, is part-way through a commendable course of austerity that aims to eradicate the structural budget deficit, currently 3.6% of GDP, and start lowering the debt-to-GDP ratio by 2017-18.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Mr. Abe's predecessors in the center-left Democratic Party unwisely followed a course of fiscal austerity, and paid the price for it last month at the polls.

The New York Times

In Greece, required by Europe to follow a course of harsh austerity, that spending has fallen rapidly, even if it has not declined as rapidly as some Europeans want.

The New York Times

Of course, in times of austerity, money for science of all kinds is tight.

The Guardian

Initially, Mr Osborne set out on a course of fast-paced austerity designed to eliminate the structural deficit by 2015.

The Economist

Time and again over the course of the last six years, austerity has hit hardest those living in the most-deprived areas.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "course of austerity" to describe a deliberate and sustained governmental strategy aimed at reducing budget deficits through spending cuts and/or tax increases. It implies a planned, ongoing effort rather than isolated incidents of frugality.

Common error

Don't use "course of austerity" to simply describe a temporary dip in spending or an individual's frugal lifestyle. The phrase typically refers to large-scale governmental policies and sustained economic strategies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "course of austerity" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It refers to a specific plan or strategy that involves reducing government spending and increasing taxes to manage or reduce national debt. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in describing economic policies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "course of austerity" is a noun phrase used to describe a sustained governmental economic strategy to reduce budget deficits. Ludwig indicates it's grammatically correct and most frequently used in news and business contexts. While phrases like "austerity measures" or "fiscal austerity" offer similar meanings, "course of austerity" emphasizes the planned and ongoing nature of these economic policies. When using the phrase, ensure you're referring to a sustained governmental strategy, not just isolated instances of frugality. This comprehensive analysis helps ensure accurate and impactful usage of "course of austerity" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Austerity measures

Focuses on the specific actions taken during austerity.

Fiscal austerity

Emphasizes the financial aspect of austerity.

Economic retrenchment

Highlights the scaling back of economic activity.

Budget cuts

Refers directly to reductions in government spending.

Fiscal consolidation

Focuses on the effort to reduce deficits and debt.

Belt-tightening

An idiomatic expression for reducing expenses.

Spending reductions

Directly indicates a decrease in expenditures.

Deficit reduction plan

Focuses on strategies aimed at lowering the deficit.

Economic constraint

Highlights limitations placed on economic activity.

Fiscal discipline

Emphasizes responsible financial management.

FAQs

How is "course of austerity" typically implemented?

A "course of austerity" generally involves a government implementing budget cuts, tax increases, or a combination of both to reduce its debt and deficit. This can affect public services, social programs, and overall economic activity.

What are some potential consequences of a "course of austerity"?

Potential consequences can include reduced public spending on essential services like healthcare and education, slower economic growth, increased unemployment, and social unrest due to decreased social support programs.

Is "course of austerity" the same as "fiscal austerity"?

While closely related, "course of austerity" describes the ongoing implementation of measures, whereas "fiscal austerity" refers more broadly to the set of policies aimed at reducing government debt and deficits.

What are some alternatives to a "course of austerity" for managing government debt?

Alternatives can include stimulating economic growth through investment, increasing taxes on corporations and high-income earners, or restructuring existing debt obligations. Each approach has its own set of potential benefits and drawbacks.