determine the course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determine the course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of deciding or establishing a direction or path for something, such as a project, strategy, or plan. Example: "The committee will meet next week to determine the course of action for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The facts determine the course of action," Cashman said.

The New York Times - Sports

Their rapport will determine the course of the season.

The New York Times

But they demonstrate that national interests ultimately determine the course of diplomacy.

The New York Times

FROM here forward, Dr. Hughes said, empty nesters will determine the course of new construction.

The New York Times

However, as Figueiredo found to his cost, he could not always determine the course of history.

The Guardian

Today, gene sequencing is used primarily to determine the course of treatment for cancer patients.

The Guardian

Instead, the deputies' own report of the event was used to determine the course of events.

The Guardian

The decisions made at this time can determine the course of the response.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This is something that will determine the course of their lives.

The New York Times

Throughout, the small events that can determine the course of a life become touchstones.

The New York Times - Books

The values of two random fields determine the course of the paths.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "determine the course" when you want to emphasize the act of deciding or influencing the direction or path of something. For example, "The evidence will determine the course of the investigation."

Common error

Avoid using "determine the course" with overly broad or undefined subjects. Ensure the subject is specific and the context makes it clear what is having its course determined. For example, instead of saying "Technology will determine the course", specify "New advancements in AI will determine the course of future software development".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine the course" functions as a verb phrase used to express the act of influencing or deciding the direction or path of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, demonstrating it frequently appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "determine the course" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that signifies the act of influencing or deciding a particular direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. While maintaining a neutral register, the phrase effectively conveys the power to shape events and outcomes. When writing, it's important to use "determine the course" with specific subjects for clarity, as well as understanding the synonyms ("decide the direction", "shape the trajectory", and "influence the outcome") can help refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decide the direction

Focuses on the act of choosing a direction rather than defining a path.

shape the trajectory

Emphasizes influencing the path something takes over time.

dictate the route

Suggests a stronger influence or control over the path taken.

influence the outcome

Highlights the impact on the final result, rather than the process.

set the direction

Similar to deciding, but emphasizes establishing a direction.

chart the path

Implies a careful planning and mapping of a specific route.

govern the progress

Focuses on managing the advancement and development.

control the flow

Suggests managing the progression or movement of something.

steer the direction

Implies active guidance and maneuvering to influence the path.

resolve the path

Focuses on settling or deciding on a specific route.

FAQs

How can I use "determine the course" in a sentence?

You can use "determine the course" when you want to express that something will decide or influence the direction of an event, action, or plan. For example, "The judge's decision will determine the course of the trial".

What are some alternatives to "determine the course"?

Alternatives include "decide the direction", "shape the trajectory", or "influence the outcome". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "determine the course" or "determine the outcome"?

"Determine the course" focuses on influencing the path or process, while "determine the outcome" emphasizes affecting the final result. Use "determine the course" when the journey matters, and "determine the outcome" when the result is paramount.

Can "determine the course" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "determine the course" is suitable for both formal and informal settings. However, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing. More formal contexts may benefit from synonyms like "establish the path" if a more elevated tone is desired.