guide the course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guide the course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to directing or influencing the direction of a process, project, or situation. Example: "The committee will guide the course of the project to ensure it meets all objectives and deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Individual interests of the nobles had come to guide the course of politics and state activities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the case will also guide the course of managed care.

The Economist

Ever since the publication of "The General Theory,'' governments have turned to ''Keynesian'' policies to guide the course of their economies.

The New Yorker

Jack will be remembered as a visionary, whose interest in technology and innovation helped to guide the course of DRS in its early years.

The New York Times

By adjusting the ascent and descent of a balloon through the air, a pilot can take advantage of available winds to guide the course of the balloon over the surface of Earth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If Mr. Gingrich is forced to rely chiefly on small donors, his campaign could provide the best test yet of the Republican fund-raising elite's waning, but still potent, power to guide the course of the quadrennial nominating contest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Accordingly, the instrumental examination guides the course of treatment.

Nature

Another downwarp lies perpendicular to the Gulf coast and guides the course of the lower Mississippi.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Conclusions: The presence of anti-D appears to be the most significant factor guiding the course of isoimmunization with multiple antibodies.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

From cars, trees, animals, all the way to the cosmos itself, Aristotle argued, each thing has an inherent principle that guides the course of its existence.

The New York Times

The second initiative was what Americans would dismissively call an industrial policy: government specifically guiding the course of the economy in ways that the U.S., even at the nadir of financial-crisis desperation, would never have considered.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guide the course", ensure that the subject performing the guiding action has the authority or expertise to influence the outcome. For example, "Experienced mentors can guide the course of a young professional's career effectively."

Common error

Avoid using "guide the course" when the direction is self-determined or naturally occurring. For instance, instead of saying "The river was guided the course by gravity", it is better to say "Gravity dictated the river's course."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guide the course" functions as a verb phrase where "guide" acts as the verb, and "the course" serves as the object. It indicates the act of directing or influencing the progression or direction of something. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "guide the course" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies directing or influencing the progression of an event, project, or direction. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives such as "steer the course" and "direct the path" exist, "guide the course" maintains a nuanced balance between advising and controlling. Its effective use hinges on ensuring the guiding entity possesses the necessary expertise and avoiding its application in scenarios where the direction is inherently self-determined. Furthermore, this expression can be frequently found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steer the course

This alternative uses "steer" instead of "guide", implying a more active and direct control over the direction.

direct the course

Replaces "guide" with "direct", suggesting a more authoritative and less collaborative approach.

shape the course

Emphasizes the act of influencing the development and form of something over time.

influence the direction

Focuses on the impact on the direction rather than the entire process or path.

manage the progress

This phrase focuses on overseeing and controlling the advancement of a project or process.

regulate the movement

Suggests a more formal and controlled influence over the progression or flow of something.

govern the proceedings

Implies a formal role in controlling and directing a series of actions or events.

oversee the trajectory

Focuses on watching over and influencing the path or development of something.

shepherd the process

Uses a metaphor to suggest a caring and protective guidance through a process.

channel the flow

Implies directing the movement of resources or information toward a specific outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "guide the course" to describe the act of directing or influencing the path or development of something, for example, "Experienced leadership can guide the course of the company through challenging times".

What can I say instead of "guide the course"?

You can use alternatives like "steer the course", "direct the path", or "influence the direction" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "guide the course" and "control the course"?

"Guide the course" implies a softer, more advisory role in directing something, while "control the course" suggests a more forceful and dominant influence. Guiding allows for flexibility and adaptation, while controlling seeks to maintain a fixed path.

Is "guiding the course" grammatically correct?

Yes, "guiding the course" is grammatically correct. It is the present participle form and can be used in continuous tenses (e.g., "They are guiding the course of the project") or as a gerund (e.g., "Guiding the course of the project requires expertise").