maintain the course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain the course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is advising to continue on a particular path or direction, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "Despite the challenges we face, we must maintain the course to achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The election, he said, "means we will be able to maintain the course suggested by President Putin".

The New York Times

The guidance computer, which was programmed with the desired flight path, then generated commands to maintain the course.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Environmental experts say the old dump is safely sealed but that the biggest challenge is keeping the pesticides and fertilizer used to maintain the course from being swept into the Hudson by rain.

The New York Times

Mr. Schwartz said that the county was soliciting proposals from private companies to manage and maintain the course, and that until the bids come in next month, he would be unable to forecast how much profit Hudson Hills might make.

The New York Times

As the party has firmly rejected democratization, its only strategy for survival is to maintain the course it has embarked on since the Tiananmen crackdown in June 1989: drawing political legitimacy from economic growth but relying on repression to crush challenges to its monopoly of power.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Renovate and maintain the courses.

The New York Times

At real courses, they have crews come out every day to maintain the courses.

WikiHow

Yesterday, Mr Trump was unbowed by questions about ethics, maintaining the course would be of benefit to wildlife.

Independent

Also maintaining the course were the Atlanta Hawks, who locked up Joe Johnson by signing him to a maximum six-year contract.

The New York Times

As for Senator John McCain and his views, as with President Bush's views on maintaining the course in Iraq, like General Petraeus they may be right, but the United States' dilemma with our financial system says they are both wrong.

The New York Times

He said that the agency recognized the reviews had shortcomings but that "maintaining the course would have resulted in billions more being paid to consultants and fewer dollars to consumers".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain the course", ensure the context clearly defines the "course" being maintained. Be specific about the goal or direction you want to stay committed to.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain the course" when the direction is unclear or not well-defined. Without a clear 'course', the phrase becomes meaningless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain the course" functions as a directive or recommendation to continue following a particular plan, strategy, or direction. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase is commonly used to express the importance of perseverance and consistency.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain the course" is a grammatically sound expression used to advise continuing on a specific path or direction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceptionally common, it appears across varied contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. It conveys a message of perseverance, consistency, and commitment. When using the phrase, ensure the intended 'course' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "stay the course" or "keep on track" provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay the course

Replaces "maintain" with "stay", emphasizing perseverance through difficulties.

keep on track

Focuses on remaining aligned with the intended direction or plan.

preserve the course

Highlights the act of protecting and ensuring the continuation of the current path.

retain the course

Similar to preserve, but emphasizes holding onto the current direction.

sustain the course

Emphasizes providing support and resources to continue the current trajectory.

continue the established path

More formal and descriptive, emphasizing the continuation of a previously set route.

uphold the strategy

More suitable when referring to plans and strategies and how they are applied.

stick to the plan

Similar to "keep on track", but more direct and less formal.

hold the line

Implies defending a current position or course of action against opposition.

persevere with the endeavor

Emphasizes determination and continued effort in pursuing a specific goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain the course" to suggest continuing with a plan or strategy, as in, "Despite the challenges, we must maintain the course to achieve our objectives."

What's a more concise alternative to "maintain the course"?

Alternatives include "stay the course" or "keep on track", which are both shorter and commonly used.

When is it appropriate to use "maintain the course" instead of "change direction"?

"Maintain the course" is appropriate when you want to emphasize consistency and adherence to an existing plan. If the situation requires adaptation, "change direction" would be more suitable.

Is "maintain the course" formal or informal?

The phrase "maintain the course" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives like "stick to the plan" might be preferred in less formal situations.