embarked on a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "embarked on a course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the beginning of a journey, project, or plan, often implying a commitment to a specific direction or goal. Example: "After much consideration, she decided to embark on a course to improve her leadership skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"This most illiberal Court," he wrote in dissent from a 1996 decision that opened the Virginia Military Institute to female cadets, "has embarked on a course of inscribing one after another of the current preferences of the society (and in some cases only the counter-majoritarian preferences of the society's law trained elite) into our Basic Law".

The New Yorker

In February, he embarked on a course of palliative chemo.

The New Yorker

In response, members of the Corps's leadership embarked on a course of identity creation.

The New Yorker

Now, Yellen has embarked on a course that bears her own imprint.

The New Yorker

So I have embarked on a course of self-induced, largely self-funded medical tests.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After the decision, the companies embarked on a course of trying to sell the Alaskan assets.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

So BP's spill has prompted scientists to embark on a sudden crash course on the interaction of deep-sea biology with these toxins.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, any one of those 10 minutes could be the one when Elliot or Dexter decides to leave civilization behind and embark on a course of pure, violent savagery.

The New York Times

He embarks on a course of Jewish self-instruction, reading Yiddish dictionaries and Maimonides.

The New Yorker

"And I think we were embarking on a course that could subject the state to liability".

The New York Times

You could embark on a course of personal self-development now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "embarked on a course" to clearly indicate the beginning of a deliberate and purposeful undertaking, whether it's a literal course of study or a figurative path in life.

Common error

Avoid using "embarked on a course" in very casual or informal contexts, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "started" or "began" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embarked on a course" functions as a verb phrase indicating the beginning of a deliberate action or journey. It sets the stage for an event or process, as evidenced by the examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "embarked on a course" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the commencement of a planned action or journey. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate in a variety of contexts, with a tendency toward formality. While "embarked on a course" is suitable for news articles, encyclopedias, and formal documents, simpler alternatives like "started" or "began" might be preferable in casual conversations. Remember to use "embarked on a course" when you want to highlight the deliberate and purposeful nature of an undertaking. Some alternative phrases that share a similar meaning include "began a journey" and "set out on a path", but consider the nuances of each before making a choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began a journey

Focuses on the commencement of a journey, replacing the more structured "course" with a broader "journey".

set out on a path

Focuses on the initial steps taken towards a goal, emphasizing the direction rather than the structured nature of a course.

started a program

Emphasizes the beginning of a structured set of activities, rather than a general direction.

initiated a plan

Highlights the launch of a specific plan of action, providing a more concrete sense of purpose.

undertook a project

Implies a more involved and potentially challenging endeavor compared to simply starting a course.

launched an initiative

Highlights the introduction of a new project or scheme, implying a degree of innovation or strategic planning.

commenced an endeavor

Suggests the formal start of a significant and often ambitious undertaking.

took up a pursuit

Suggests engaging in an activity with dedication and effort, emphasizing personal investment.

entered a phase

Describes the beginning of a period or stage in a process, rather than a deliberately chosen course of action.

adopted a strategy

Implies a deliberate choice of methods to achieve a specific outcome, often in a competitive or challenging context.

FAQs

How can I use "embarked on a course" in a sentence?

You can use "embarked on a course" to describe the beginning of a journey, project, or plan. For example, "After much deliberation, she "embarked on a course" to improve her leadership skills".

What can I say instead of "embarked on a course"?

You can use alternatives like "started a path" or "initiated a journey" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "embarked on a course" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "embarked on a course" may sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using simpler phrases like "started" or "began" for a more natural tone.

What's the difference between "embarked on a course" and "started a journey"?

"Embarked on a course" often implies a structured or planned undertaking, while "started a journey" suggests a more open-ended and exploratory experience.