course of conduct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "course of conduct" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a pattern of behavior or actions taken over a period of time. Example: "The defendant's course of conduct demonstrated a clear intent to deceive the investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"But this law is course of conduct legislation.

The Guardian

(c) which defined "harassment" and "course of conduct".

Cornell University

Instead, he pursued a course of conduct likely to put his country at risk.

Independent

This was a deliberate course of conduct designed to create unpleasantness and to harass and distress".

The Guardian

"This case is about a course of conduct over several months.

The Washington Post

It concluded that Kelly subjected her to "a course of conduct which was detrimental to her".

The Guardian

In one, a former United States attorney, Jim Greenlee, argued that Mr. Bostick had reversed his destructive course of conduct.

The New York Times

Smith's and MDS's is a knowing, and consistently defiant, course of conduct.

Stanford University

The Sherman Act and Robinson-Patman Act counts relate to the same course of conduct.

Cornell University

It is undisputed that no part of petitioner's course of conduct occurred in Nevada.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In more than a third of the cases reviewed, administrative law judges applied a "course-of-conduct" standard that combines related acts into a course of conduct and treats the course of conduct as a single act or omission for civil money penalty purposes.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "pattern of behavior" in general contexts to make your writing more accessible, since it is less formal than "course of conduct".

Common error

Avoid using "course of conduct" to describe isolated incidents. This phrase implies a series of related actions over time, not a single event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "course of conduct" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a pattern of behavior or a series of actions taken over a period. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

31%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

6%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "course of conduct" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, particularly in legal, academic, and news contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase describes a pattern of behavior or a series of actions over time, distinguishing it from isolated incidents. While alternatives like "pattern of behavior" may be suitable in less formal settings, "course of conduct" offers precision when analyzing intent or responsibility. Remember to use it accurately to describe a sustained pattern, avoiding its misapplication to single, unrelated events. Its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources underscores its significance in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pattern of behavior

Focuses on the behavioral aspect, implying a predictable or consistent way of acting.

line of action

Emphasizes the strategic or planned nature of the series of actions.

series of actions

Highlights the sequence and multiplicity of individual acts.

chain of events

Stresses the consequential and interconnected nature of the actions.

mode of operation

Focuses on how something functions or behaves in a specific context.

established practice

Suggests a customary and recognized way of doing things.

customary procedure

Emphasizes the procedural aspect and adherence to established norms.

habitual behavior

Highlights the repetitive and ingrained nature of the actions.

ongoing activity

Stresses the continuous and sustained nature of the actions.

systematic approach

Implies a structured and methodical series of actions.

FAQs

How is "course of conduct" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "course of conduct" refers to a series of actions or behaviors demonstrating a pattern, often used to establish intent or liability. It distinguishes repeated behavior from isolated incidents.

What's a good alternative to "course of conduct" in general writing?

In less formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "pattern of behavior", "series of actions", or "line of action" to convey a similar meaning with greater clarity.

Can a single action be considered a "course of conduct"?

No, a single action does not constitute a "course of conduct". The term implies a pattern or series of related actions occurring over a period of time.

In what contexts is "course of conduct" most appropriate?

"Course of conduct" is most appropriate in legal, formal, or academic settings where a precise and comprehensive description of a series of actions is required. News reports often utilize this term when describing legal cases.