determine our own course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determine our own course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to make independent decisions or choices about a direction or path in life or a specific situation. Example: "In order to achieve our goals, we must determine our own course and not rely on others to dictate our path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We must indeed determine our own course of action," said the 34th president -- which sounds a lot like the 44th.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We can and must determine our own fate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because the whole point of Brexit was to insist on our own right to determine our own future.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both plays share that central theme of "how we determine our own reality".

The New York Times

In another story you write: "We are finally able to determine our own hereafter.

The Guardian

The restoration of our liberty 30 years ago gave us the freedom to determine our own political future.

The Guardian - Opinion

We can determine our own economic fate.

University of Chicago

We are trying to reclaim our birthright to determine our own destiny.

Vice

"This kind of reaction to an attack on opinion and protected and defensible speech not only personally saddened me but has a chilling effect on the nature of talk radio itself and the importance of the 1st Amendment". She added that she and her attorney will determine Monday "our own course of action" and that they will release a more detailed public statement the week of Aug. 31.

Los Angeles Times

"We would have determined our own fate.

The New York Times - Sports

This year, we were really focused on determining our own destiny".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "determine our own course" to convey a sense of autonomy and self-reliance in decision-making, particularly when deviating from established norms or external pressures.

Common error

Avoid using "determine our own course" in situations where external factors significantly limit actual decision-making power, as it can create a false impression of complete independence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine our own course" functions as a declaration of intent, emphasizing the agency and autonomy of the subject in making decisions. According to Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

27%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "determine our own course" is a grammatically sound and meaningful phrase used to express independence and self-direction in decision-making. Ludwig indicates it's a correct and usable expression. While not exceedingly common, it frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts, emphasizing the subject's agency in charting a future direction. Alternatives such as "chart our own path" or "set our own direction" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. It's essential to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring that the context accurately reflects the level of autonomy involved and avoiding overstatements of independence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chart our own path

Emphasizes the act of mapping out a unique route or direction.

set our own direction

Focuses on establishing a specific bearing or orientation.

make our own decisions

Highlights the act of choosing independently.

decide our own fate

Implies taking control over the final outcome or destiny.

take control of our destiny

Focuses on actively managing and directing one's future.

steer our own ship

Uses a nautical metaphor to represent guiding one's own life or organization.

forge our own way

Emphasizes the creation of a unique path through effort and determination.

shape our own future

Highlights the act of molding and influencing what is to come.

carve our own niche

Focuses on creating a unique position or role for oneself.

dictate our own terms

Implies setting the conditions and requirements for an agreement or situation independently.

FAQs

How can I use "determine our own course" in a sentence?

You can use "determine our own course" to express the act of making independent decisions about a direction or path, such as, "The company decided to "determine our own course", despite the advice of external consultants."

What are some alternatives to "determine our own course"?

Alternatives include "chart our own path", "set our own direction", or "make our own decisions", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of independent decision-making.

Is it grammatically correct to say "determine our own course"?

Yes, "determine our own course" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express the idea of independently deciding on a particular direction or approach.

In what contexts is "determine our own course" most appropriate?

"Determine our own course" is often used in contexts where individuals, organizations, or nations are asserting their independence and autonomy in decision-making, particularly when facing external pressures or conflicting advice.