maintained its course

USAGE SUMMARY

"maintained its course" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to something that continues on a predetermined path or direction without deviation. Example: The ship maintained its course despite the stormy weather. Alternative expressions include "stayed on track," "kept its direction," and "followed its path."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

If HMS Pandora had maintained its course, it would eventually have reached Pitcairn Island and found the Bounty mutineers.

Wikipedia

The skinny on the headlines are: Google Play showed tremendous growth, but the Apple App Store maintained its course.

TechCrunch

During a period of strong winds (22 m/s) at Mt. Chokai, Akita Prefecture, Japan, Ant-Plane 2 maintained its course during a straight flight but deviated when turning leeward.

Polar Science

Agatha maintained its course and steadily intensified.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

No Coplandesque orchestrations for Mr. Crumb: rather, a battering of bells and a breathy wind machine assailing the homespun vocal line as it strives to maintain its course through a bleak landscape.

The New York Times - Arts

The change of leadership seemed largely a relief to investors and analysts, who said Telefonica was likely to maintain its course.

The New York Times

There is responsibility on the Shonan Maru to give way, but also responsibility from the Ady Gil to maintain its course and speed".

The New Yorker

Not only does this river maintain its course up the length of Egypt through a virtually rainless desert, but it rises regularly in flood once each year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The mobile app economy continued to show impressive growth in 2012, with Apple's App Store maintaining its course, while its rival, Google Play, was able to make some significant gains.

TechCrunch

As the Colorado Plateau continued to rise between 5 and 2.5 million years ago, the river maintained its ancestral course (as an antecedent stream) and began to cut the Grand Canyon.

Wikipedia

After emerging over the South China Sea on October 30, the system initially maintained its west-northwest course.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing strategic plans or long-term objectives, use "maintained its course" to convey stability and commitment to the original plan, especially when facing challenges or deviations.

Common error

Avoid using "maintained its course" when referring to situations that require adaptation or change. This phrase implies adherence to a fixed path, which may not always be desirable or effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintained its course" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of a specific trajectory or plan. Ludwig AI highlights its usage across diverse domains, emphasizing adherence to a predetermined path.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

26%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

19%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maintained its course" is a versatile phrase used to describe the continuation of a predetermined path or plan without deviation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase enjoys common usage across various domains, including news, science, and general knowledge. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's important to consider the context and ensure that the implication of unwavering adherence aligns with the intended meaning. Alternative phrases like "stayed on track" or "kept its direction" may be more appropriate in situations requiring adaptation or change. Remember to use "maintained its course" to convey stability and consistency, especially when emphasizing the resistance to external influences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stayed on track

This alternative emphasizes progress towards a goal, rather than a literal course.

kept its direction

This alternative is more general and focuses on the direction rather than the path itself.

followed its path

This suggests a more passive adherence to a pre-defined route.

persisted in its trajectory

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a projected path.

continued its journey

This suggests movement with a specific start and end.

held its bearing

More nautical in tone, indicating the preservation of a heading.

remained constant

Focuses on unchanging state rather than directional movement.

preserved its route

This emphasizes the act of preserving a pre-existing route.

advanced steadily

This emphasizes consistent forward motion.

proceeded unhindered

This highlights the absence of obstacles along the way.

FAQs

What does "maintained its course" mean?

The phrase "maintained its course" means that something has continued to follow its original path or plan without changing direction or deviating. It implies consistency and adherence to a predetermined route or strategy.

How can I use "maintained its course" in a sentence?

You can use "maintained its course" to describe a ship, a project, a strategy, or even a person who is sticking to their plan. For example: "Despite the rough seas, the ship "maintained its course" towards the destination."

What are some alternatives to "maintained its course"?

Alternatives to "maintained its course" include "stayed on track", "kept its direction", or "followed its path". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "maintained its course" or "stayed on track"?

"Maintained its course" implies a literal or figurative path, while "stayed on track" is generally used in the context of progress toward a goal. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing direction or progress.