embarking on a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "embarking on a course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to starting a journey, project, or educational path. Example: "After much consideration, she decided to embark on a course to improve her skills in digital marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Embarking on a course of militant opposition to slavery, he became involved in several racial improvement groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But to students who are embarking on a course at Birkbeck this autumn, what I say is – be grateful!

The Guardian - Opinion

While recovering from an attack of scarlet fever as an adolescent, Giuseppe began reading art books intently and embarking on a course of self-education.

The New York Times - Arts

I think Clearing can feel stressful, but take a deep breath and make sure you're embarking on a course that suits you.

Independent

In hindsight, it is hard to imagine a better image for what was then a poor country embarking on a course of dramatic but uncertain change.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 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

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

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "embarking on a course", ensure the context clearly indicates the beginning of a new endeavor, whether it's academic, professional, or personal. This phrase implies a deliberate and purposeful start.

Common error

Avoid using "embarking on a course" to describe activities already in progress. This phrase specifically denotes the initiation phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embarking on a course" functions as a verb phrase, often followed by a prepositional phrase indicating the specific activity or direction being undertaken. It signifies the act of beginning something new, as supported by Ludwig's examples showcasing varied contexts from education to personal development.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science & Research

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embarking on a course" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the act of beginning a new journey, project, or educational path. While Ludwig's examples indicate that the phrase is more formal and emphasizes a deliberate start, it is found across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, conveying the initiation of planned actions. To avoid misuse, it is important to ensure the context indicates a genuine beginning, rather than an ongoing activity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is more neutral to formal and is found in contexts where a deliberate and significant beginning is being described, lending it a slightly formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting a journey

Focuses on the beginning of a trip or adventure, differing in its emphasis on travel.

beginning a program

Highlights the start of a structured set of activities, shifting the context to organized plans.

commencing a study

Emphasizes the initiation of a learning process, changing the focus to academic pursuits.

undertaking a project

Highlights the assumption of responsibility for a specific task, altering the scope to project-based work.

initiating a process

Focuses on starting a series of actions, differing in its emphasis on step-by-step procedures.

launching an initiative

Emphasizes the introduction of a new plan or scheme, altering the context to strategic actions.

taking up a challenge

Highlights the acceptance of a difficult task, shifting the focus to problem-solving.

pursuing a line of inquiry

Emphasizes the act of investigating, changing the context to research and exploration.

setting out on a path

Focuses on the start of a directional journey, differing in its emphasis on personal or professional development.

venturing into new territory

Highlights the exploration of unknown areas, shifting the focus to innovation and discovery.

FAQs

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

You can use "embarking on a course" to describe the start of a new journey or project. For example, "She is "embarking on a course" to learn web development."

What are some alternatives to "embarking on a course"?

Alternatives include "starting a journey", "beginning a program", or "commencing a study", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "embark on a course" or "start a course"?

"Embark on a course" is more formal and suggests a significant undertaking, while "start a course" is more general and can refer to any course, regardless of its importance or duration. The best choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "embarking on a course" and "pursuing a course"?

"Embarking on a course" refers to the initial stage, the very beginning. "Pursuing a course" implies continuing or following a course of action over time.