keep it on course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it on course" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to maintaining a direction or focus in a project, plan, or situation. Example: "Despite the challenges we faced, we managed to keep it on course and meet our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If only Liberia had had such a guardian to keep it on course.

The New York Times

The movie itself is a run-of-the-mill true-crime drama, but some fine performances and the enormity of the actual events keep it on course.

The New York Times

But it cannot begin, the authors say, without a meeting face to face, and it cannot succeed without periodic meetings to keep it on course.

The New York Times

A late penalty kick by Michal Kadlek gave the Czech Republic a 2-2 tie with Scotland in Glasgow to keep it on course for a playoff spot for the 2012 European championship.

The New York Times - Sports

That increase would keep it on course to achieve a promised budget doubling within a decade.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In an email to the 40-member cultural affairs department staff Monday announcing her impending exit, Garay-English sait "it has been an honor to lead the [department] and keep it on its course during the economically tumultuous period that I have been at the helm.

Los Angeles Times

It's your job to keep it on the course and hit each of the mile markers along the way.

Huffington Post

Despite (or maybe because of) the morbid way Lipman introduces her story, she keeps "The Dearly Departed" masterfully light, adding just enough heft to keep it surely on course.

The New York Times - Books

I kept it on the hush-hush, of course.

Vice

It is trying to keep its economy on course to grow 7% in 2015 – its slowest pace in a quarter of a century.

The Guardian

It keeps him on course to emulate the victory by his brother Edoardo two years ago.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep it on course" when you want to emphasize the act of proactively maintaining a specific direction or strategy. It suggests a deliberate effort to avoid deviations.

Common error

Avoid using "keep it on course" as a passive suggestion. The phrase implies active management and effort to maintain the intended direction. For passive situations, consider alternatives like "stay on track".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it on course" functions primarily as a directive or advisory expression. It's used to urge or suggest maintaining a planned trajectory or focus, often in the face of potential distractions or obstacles. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, reinforcing this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep it on course" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that advises maintaining direction and focus towards a specific goal, as verified by Ludwig. It functions as a directive or advisory expression. While the phrase is of Uncommon frequency and neutral register, suitable for diverse contexts, from news media to personal communication, its usage is fairly consistent in its purpose of urging adherence to a plan. To emphasize staying aligned with a plan, consider options such as "stay on track" or "maintain direction".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay on track

Focuses on maintaining progress and avoiding distractions.

maintain direction

Highlights the act of holding a specific heading or trajectory.

adhere to the plan

Emphasizes sticking to a pre-defined strategy or roadmap.

follow the guidelines

Suggests compliance with established rules or protocols.

stick to the agenda

Implies remaining focused on the planned topics or activities.

keep up the momentum

Highlights the importance of maintaining progress and avoiding stagnation.

persevere

Underlines steadfastness and determination.

hold the line

Suggests defending a specific position or boundary.

navigate the situation

Focuses on skill and dexterity for achieving success

progress steadily

Focuses on how the action is being executed.

FAQs

How can I use "keep it on course" in a sentence?

You can use "keep it on course" when referring to maintaining a direction or focus in a project, plan, or situation. For example: "Despite the challenges we faced, we managed to "keep it on course" and meet our deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "keep it on course"?

You can use alternatives like "stay on track", "maintain direction", or "adhere to the plan" depending on the context.

Is "keep it on course" formal or informal?

"Keep it on course" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both professional and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise or technical alternatives.

What does it mean to "keep it on course"?

To "keep it on course" means to maintain a specific direction, plan, or strategy, ensuring that progress is made towards the intended goal without deviation. It implies a proactive effort to avoid distractions or obstacles.