disrupt the course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disrupt the course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to interrupting or altering the expected progression of an event, process, or situation. Example: "The unexpected storm could disrupt the course of the outdoor event planned for this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Until now only experiments, taking many months, could determine the size of the cavity which could easily disrupt the course of the torpedo.

Columbia University

Renewed activity in this area could disrupt the course of the river and have a serious impact on people living or working downstream.

Wikipedia

In another scandal several weeks earlier, British Energy Minister Chris Huhne had to resign after he was charged with attempting to disrupt the course of justice by persuading his former wife to take penalty points he would have acquired through a traffic offence.

Huffington Post

This is the first demonstration that a self-assembling biomolecular peptide can interact with PrPsc, disrupt the course of Scrapie disease process, and extend survival.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Its mirrored structure is simple yet ingenious: the gust of wind disrupts the course of what might have been a more traditional and didactic children's tale about two friends who benefit from mutual gestures of kindness.

The New Yorker

Trump has been vehemently opposed to an offshore wind farm off the coast of one of his golf courses in Scotland because it disrupted the course's views, and has expressed his dislike of wind farms in general.

The Guardian

Scientists in the United States and elsewhere have explained that the loss of Arctic sea ice as a result of global warming is disrupting the course and strength of the westerly jet stream, resulting in longer winters in some years.

The New York Times

Whatever its form, a true crisis can serve as a catalyst for change, the researchers concluded, a mechanism that disrupts the course of normal life and arouses a reevaluation of identity.

Huffington Post

They described how asthma had restricted their childhood and disrupted the course of their lives (box 1).

BMJ Open

In the past few decades, biologists collected thousands of genetic mutations that disrupt the normal course of an embryo's development.

The New Yorker

Fourth, the ability of pdm H1N1/09 influenza to disrupt the natural course of gestation is not confirmed by our study.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disrupt the course", consider the level of impact you want to convey. It suggests a significant alteration, so ensure it aligns with the actual effect being described. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "disrupt the course" when the impact is minor or temporary. Opt for words like "slightly alter" or "briefly interrupt" if the change is not substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disrupt the course" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate in a sentence. It describes an action that interferes with or alters the expected progression of something. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, this action can apply to tangible and intangible entities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disrupt the course" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase that describes the act of interrupting or altering an expected path or process. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is most commonly found in news, science, and academic contexts. When writing, it's important to ensure that the level of disruption matches the context; using less impactful terms like "alter" or "interrupt" might be more suitable for minor changes. While widely applicable, this phrase carries a degree of formality and can be replaced with alternatives like "alter the trajectory" or "impede the progress" to better suit the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Disrupt the flow

A more concise version that is also applicable to less formal contexts.

Alter the trajectory

Implies a change in direction or path, not necessarily a complete stop.

Interrupt the sequence

Specifically refers to breaking the order of a series of events.

Change the direction

A more general term for altering the path or focus.

Derail the process

Focuses on completely stopping or ruining a process rather than just interrupting it.

Upset the schedule

Highlights the disarrangement of a timetable or agenda.

Interfere with the flow

Suggests an unwanted involvement that disturbs the smoothness of progress.

Impede the progress

Highlights slowing down or hindering advancement rather than a full disruption.

Ruin the plan

Focuses on causing the failure of a previously made strategy or arrangement.

Obstruct the development

Emphasizes preventing growth or unfolding.

FAQs

How can "disrupt the course" be used in a sentence?

You can use "disrupt the course" to describe something that interrupts or changes the expected progression of an event or process. For example, "Unexpected complications may "disrupt the course" of the project".

What are some alternatives to "disrupt the course"?

Alternatives include "alter the trajectory", "interrupt the sequence", or "impede the progress", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "disrupt the course of" or "disrupt the course for"?

The phrase "disrupt the course of" is more common and grammatically appropriate when referring to interrupting the progression of something. "Disrupt the course for" is less frequently used.

In what contexts is "disrupt the course" commonly used?

"Disrupt the course" is commonly used in academic, news, and scientific contexts to describe interruptions to planned events, natural processes, or legal proceedings.