get off course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get off course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something deviating from a planned path or direction, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "If we don't stay focused on our goals, we might get off course and lose sight of our objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

If I get off course, I will always get redirected.

Huffington Post

But if budgets get off course, creditors are likely to refuse to continue financial assistance.

Vice

If you get off course, talk it over with your attorney and get back on track.

WikiHow

3 sisters, who were lost for days in Wyoming's Gros Ventre Wilderness, have been found alive: http://t.co/hUiuF1TINk pIt.twitter.com/60BMF8pgz6 "It's very easy, even for experienced people, to get off course and make a wrong turn.

Independent

Best of all you can run into other tanks and walls without suffering much damage and if you get off course a giant hand will pick you up and drag you back to the playing field.I especially liked the weird little room where the tanks start out where the giant – actually a guy named Tony – lives.

TechCrunch

"If you don't know the bigger purpose of why you are pushing yourself so hard, you'll burn out or get off course".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I saw all the structure of it and I was talking to the shark guys about it: I thought we got off course and we're over in India".

The New Yorker

Getting off course and feeling like you should be somewhere are clear signs that you've been working towards a life that is heavily influence by what others or society expect of you.

Huffington Post

And if I got off course, he would alertly break his silence and redirect me.

The New York Times

The father leaves, only to return at the end of the piece, claiming that he got off course.

The New Yorker

"Americans love our country like no other country on earth, but we have gotten off course and the American people know it," said Sessions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get off course" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what the intended 'course' is to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether you're referring to a project timeline, a personal goal, or a literal path.

Common error

Avoid using "get off course" in contexts where both a literal path and a figurative objective are implied, as this can create confusion. Clarify your meaning to ensure readers understand the intended sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get off course" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes an action of deviation or straying from a planned route or intention. Ludwig AI identifies it as a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Reference

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get off course" is a common and correct English expression used to describe a deviation from a planned path or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in wiki-style content, indicating broad applicability. While grammatical errors aren't typical, writers should be mindful of the intended context to avoid ambiguity between literal and figurative meanings. Alternatives such as "go off track" or "lose focus" can be used for variety, depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go off track

Indicates a departure from the intended path or plan, often temporarily.

go astray

Implies a wandering or deviation from a correct path, often morally or behaviorally.

deviate from the path

Suggests a formal departure from a prescribed route or plan.

stray from the course

Similar to "deviate", but emphasizes a gradual drift away from the intended direction.

veer off track

Indicates a sudden change in direction, moving away from the intended path.

lose one's way

Emphasizes the feeling of being lost or disoriented, both literally and figuratively.

lose focus

Suggests a decline in concentration and attention, leading to a departure from the intended task or goal.

wander from the point

Specifically refers to diverging from the main topic or argument in a discussion or writing.

drift away

Implies a gradual and often unintentional movement away from a particular focus or direction.

digress

A more formal term for temporarily straying from the main subject.

FAQs

What does "get off course" mean?

The phrase "get off course" means to deviate from a planned path, goal, or intended behavior. It implies losing direction or focus, either literally or figuratively.

What can I say instead of "get off course"?

You can use alternatives like "go off track", "deviate from the path", or "lose focus" depending on the context.

How can I use "get off course" in a sentence?

Example: "If we don't monitor our progress, we might "get off course" and miss our deadline." Another example: "The hiker "got off course" due to the dense fog."

Which is correct, "get off course" or "go off course"?

Both "get off course" and "go off course" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific context.