follow the course

USAGE SUMMARY

"follow the course" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to stick to a particular plan of action. For example, "Let's follow the course we discussed and see where it takes us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Early sections artfully follow the course of Junior's evolving consciousness.

The New York Times - Books

They often follow the course of a single day.

The Guardian - Film

West Nile virus could follow the course of another mosquito-borne virus.

The New York Times

"However, other validators are needed: family history and studies that follow the course of a disorder.

The New York Times - Health

He frowned, struggling to follow the course of his own stumbling thoughts.

The New Yorker

He also implied that Mr. Medvedev would follow the course that he had set.

The New York Times

Each region should follow the course that suits it best, he says.

The Economist

If Tsipras can now follow the course taken by Kim and Lula, he will serve his country well.

The Guardian

So he says the government should follow the course dear to his heart – recommend a No vote in a referendum.

The Guardian

To follow the course of action she prescribes would require a hostile takeover of large parts of the environmental movement.

The Guardian - Books

He described an economic framework that would follow the course of the evolution of the computer-security market.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follow the course", ensure that the subject clearly understands the intended direction or plan of action. Provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "follow the course" without clearly defining what the "course" entails. Vague references can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow the course" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate adherence to a plan, procedure, or direction. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its application in various contexts, from medical studies to political strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "follow the course" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe adherence to a plan, method, or progression. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is prevalent in news, scientific, and general contexts, making it suitable for various communication styles. While widely accepted, clarity is crucial; always define the 'course' to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "adhere to the plan" or "stick to the path" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to the plan

Focuses on sticking to a predetermined plan or set of actions.

stick to the path

Emphasizes staying on a specific route or direction, either literally or figuratively.

pursue the strategy

Highlights the active continuation of a defined strategy or approach.

maintain the trajectory

Implies keeping something on its intended course or development.

continue the procedure

Suggests the uninterrupted execution of a specific set of steps or actions.

keep up with the progression

Focuses on staying aligned with the ongoing development or advancement of something.

act according to the guidelines

Emphasizes compliance with established rules or recommendations.

operate within the framework

Indicates working within a defined set of rules or structures.

abide by the method

Stresses adherence to a particular way of doing something.

move along the stream

It indicates moving with the current of water or the course of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "follow the course" to suggest adhering to a plan, like in the sentence, "If we "follow the course" I am laying out, we can eliminate that debt."

What does it mean to "follow the course" of a disease?

In a medical context, "follow the course" means to monitor the progression of a disease over time. For example, "Physicians "follow the course" of the disease by determining the number of helper T cells."

Are there other ways to say "follow the course"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "stick to the path", "adhere to the plan", or "pursue the strategy" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "followed the course" instead of "follow the course"?

Yes, "followed the course" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct. It is used when referring to actions that have already happened. For instance, "He "followed the course" that was set by his predecessor."