due course

USAGE SUMMARY

"due course" is correct and usable in written English.
It often refers to the time during which action is expected to take place or progress to completion. For example, "We will review your application in due course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They returned in due course.

Independent

In due course, she will die.

The Economist

The subject came up in due course.

The New York Times - Arts

He will be sentenced in due course".

Independent

And, in due course, they go.

The New Yorker

And, in due course, we will.

The Economist

In due course, the cleaning people come.

The New Yorker

We will respond in due course".

The New York Times

Yet the piece deepens in due course.

Independent

More about the particulars in due course.

The New Yorker

Warsi will discover in due course.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "due course" when you want to convey that something will happen at a suitable or expected time, without specifying an exact date. It assures the reader that action will be taken without creating undue pressure.

Common error

Avoid using "due course" as a placeholder for indefinite delay. Ensure there's a genuine plan or process underway, even if the exact timing isn't yet determined. Saying "we will address this in "due course"" without any follow-up can erode trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "due course" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples in its database.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "due course" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something will happen at an appropriate or expected time. Ludwig AI affirms that its usage is suitable across various contexts, although primarily found in news media and formal business settings. While it provides assurance that an action will be taken, it's crucial to avoid using it as a vague promise of indefinite delay. Instead, ensure there is an actual process in motion. Alternatives like "in due time" or "eventually" can be used for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in due time

Emphasizes the eventual arrival or occurrence of something, often implying patience.

in the fullness of time

Suggests a longer period and a more significant unfolding of events.

at the appropriate time

Highlights the suitability of the timing for a particular action or event.

when the time is right

Focuses on the opportune moment for something to happen.

in the normal course of events

Indicates something happening as a matter of routine or expectation.

in its own time

Implies that something will happen according to its own natural schedule.

eventually

Simply indicates that something will happen at some point in the future, without specifying timing.

in the process

Refers to something that is happening gradually during the execution of a task or event.

down the line

Refers to a point in the future, usually within a foreseeable timeframe.

as things progress

Suggests that something will happen as a result of ongoing development or advancement.

FAQs

How do you use "due course" in a sentence?

The phrase "due course" indicates that something will happen at the appropriate or expected time. For example, "Your application will be reviewed in "due course"." It implies a process is in place, but the exact timing is not specified.

What's the difference between "due course" and "immediately"?

"Due course" implies that something will happen at a suitable or expected time as part of a process, whereas "immediately" means something will happen without delay. They are contrasting concepts related to timing.

What can I say instead of "in due course"?

Alternatives include "in due time", "eventually", or "at the appropriate time" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "due course" in formal communication?

Yes, "due course" is perfectly appropriate in formal communication. It conveys professionalism and assures the recipient that their matter will be addressed without promising an unrealistic or immediate resolution. It is common in both news media and business contexts.