hit the course

USAGE SUMMARY

'hit the course' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to setting out to work on a particular task, project, or goal. Example: "Let's hit the course and finish this assignment before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A better idea would be to hit the course a little earlier, go outside and face the sun for 10 minutes.

The New York Times

McIlroy's other hope lies in the elements; the tail-end of a tropical storm may yet hit the course at Merion, Pennsylvania, softening it up to play more into the 24-year-old's favour.

The Guardian - Sport

After more than eight inches of snow hit the course overnight Thursday, and with more snow in the Snowbasin area yesterday, race officials scrubbed the downhill race, which had been postponed by fog on Jan . 13in Wengen, Switzerland.

The New York Times - Sports

To that end, Mr. Furey bought himself a Ritchey Breakaway bike last spring, which he immediately took to France to race a stage of the Tour de France (70 miles, or 112 kilometers), one in which he climbed the challenging Alpe d'Huez just 10 days before the professional riders hit the course.

The New York Times - Travel

So you get really good at one particular putt and then once you hit the course, your golfing buddies laugh at you and pull down your pants when you miss any putt that's not ten feet away and dead straight.

TechCrunch

Spieth and Grace are scheduled to tee off at 2 48 p.m. PDT and Day and Johnson will be the final pair to hit the course at 3 p.m. Be sure to check back here later Sunday for updates from the final round of the 115th U.S. Open.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Before hitting the course, it is essential to wear safety equipment such as a helmet, cycling gloves and elbow and knee pads.

BBC

It's like the difference between playing golf when you have to haul the clubs yourself and hitting the course with a caddy.

Huffington Post

When April comes along people are eager to shed the snow and hit the golf course and the pool.

The New York Times

When we're done competing, for fun we go out the next day and hit the same course and work on our own flavour.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't think golfers were afraid that terrorists were going to come hit the golf course," said Mark P. Vitner, senior economist at the Wachovia Corporation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the idiomatic meaning is clear; it works best when referring to golf, racing, or other activities that involve a defined course.

Common error

Avoid using "hit the course" in contexts where a literal interpretation might be confusing. For instance, don't use it to describe simply attending a class or lecture, as it implies more active engagement with a defined path or area.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit the course" functions as an idiomatic expression, often used as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an activity, especially in sports or structured environments. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hit the course" is an idiomatic phrase that means to begin or engage in a specific activity, often related to sports or outdoor activities that involve a defined path or area. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and usability. While generally neutral in register, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. Keep in mind its idiomatic meaning to avoid literal misinterpretations, and consider using related phrases like "start the course" or "tackle the challenge" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start the course

Focuses on beginning a learning path or series of lessons.

begin the program

Highlights the start of an organized set of activities or training.

tackle the challenge

Emphasizes confronting a difficult task or obstacle.

embark on the journey

Suggests a commitment to a longer, more involved process.

get underway with the project

Focuses on initiating a specific project or task.

commence the proceedings

Implies a formal start to an event or process.

launch the initiative

Highlights the beginning of a new project or plan.

undertake the endeavor

Suggests a serious and dedicated effort towards a goal.

get cracking on the task

Implies starting a task with energy and enthusiasm.

dive into the subject

Focuses on immersing oneself in a particular area of study or interest.

FAQs

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

"Hit the course" typically means to begin or engage in a specific activity, often related to sports or outdoor activities. For example, "We decided to "hit the course" early to avoid the afternoon heat".

What's a good alternative to "hit the course"?

Alternatives depend on the context. If referring to starting a learning path, use "start the course". If referring to addressing a challenge, consider "tackle the challenge".

Is it correct to say "hitting the course" instead of "hit the course"?

Yes, "hitting the course" is a valid gerund or present participle form, often used to describe an ongoing action or intention. For example, "They are planning on "hitting the course" this weekend".

What does "hit the course" mean in the context of golf?

In golf, ""hit the course"" means to start playing a round of golf. It implies going to the golf course and beginning the game.