map a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "map a course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing planning or outlining a strategy or direction for a project, journey, or goal. Example: "In order to achieve our objectives, we need to map a course that outlines our key milestones and deliverables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Each company relies on satellite images to map a course.

The New York Times - Tech

Google's legions of lawyers have been battling these charges.Their lordships Page, Cook, Zuckerberg and Bezos thus need to map a course for their respective firms through dangerous legal and regulatory territory.

The Economist

In an interview after the first public hearing, Dr. Vagelos said the governor asked him to map a course by which New Jersey -- which has several good schools and a strong research presence from pharmaceutical companies -- could develop a great medical school to compete with the universities and research hospitals in New York and Philadelphia.

The New York Times

As China and India increasingly redefine the future of technology and innovation, knowing how to map a course into that future will be a core competency of the most accomplished travelers.

Forbes

Startups are made to handle uncertainty and map a course through it, but I still feel intensely angry at having to deal with completely unnecessary obstacles: a nation knowingly inflicting self-harm.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Conservatives seem more interested in saving an ideology than mapping a course toward a better economic future.

The New York Times

At 5 feet 2 inches, she has great power and accuracy off the tee that is matched by a competitive zeal in which she does hundreds of sit-ups a day and maps a course with spreadsheets highlighting every peril and shot.

The New York Times

"Mapping a course for individuals, grassroots groups, voluntary associations, and religious organizations - and showing people how to fan the flames of peace - this bold new book challenges pacifists to be peacemakers and just war theorists to spell out the resorts that should be tried before the last.

Stanford University

His father, a carpenter and a former sandlot center fielder, mapped a course for his son.

Los Angeles Times

President Obama laid out an ambitious campaign to address climate change Tuesday, mapping a course that would bypass Congress to cut emissions from hundreds of coal-fired electric power plants and setting the stage for a possible rejection of the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline.

Los Angeles Times

The program, described briefly in this commentary, maps a course forward and engenders movement from strategy to practical application in risk assessment.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "map a course", consider the level of detail required. For high-level strategic planning, it's appropriate as is. If more granularity is needed, follow it with specific objectives and milestones.

Common error

While generally acceptable, using "map a course" in very informal conversations might sound overly formal. Consider simpler alternatives like "make a plan" or "figure out what to do" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "map a course" functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively. It describes the action of creating a detailed plan or strategy to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse scenarios, from business strategy to medical treatment plans, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "map a course" is a versatile phrase used to describe the process of planning and strategizing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating it's readily usable in written English. While "map a course" is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Academia and Science, its suitability extends across diverse registers, offering a valuable tool for clear and concise communication. When seeking alternatives, consider "chart a course" or "devise a strategy" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chart a course

Similar meaning, emphasizes the act of charting or planning a route.

lay out a plan

Focuses on the creation and detailing of a plan.

devise a strategy

Highlights the strategic aspect of planning a course of action.

formulate a plan

Emphasizes the systematic creation of a plan.

outline a strategy

Stresses the creation of an outline for a strategic approach.

plot a path

Uses "path" instead of "course", suggesting a more general direction.

design a route

Focuses on designing or planning a physical route or journey.

draft a blueprint

Suggests creating a detailed visual plan or scheme.

establish a roadmap

Similar, with a connotation of presenting a clear and detailed plan for the future.

set out a strategy

Focuses on the action of setting forth or presenting a strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "map a course" in a sentence?

You can use "map a course" to describe planning or outlining a strategy. For example, "We need to "map a course" for the next quarter to achieve our sales goals."

What are some alternatives to "map a course"?

Alternatives include "chart a course", "lay out a plan", or "devise a strategy", depending on the context.

Is "map a course" formal or informal?

"Map a course" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for business, news, and academic contexts. In very informal settings, consider simpler alternatives.

What's the difference between "map a course" and "plan a route"?

"Map a course" is more abstract, referring to a strategic plan, while "plan a route" often refers to a physical journey or path. However, the phrases can be used interchangeably in many contexts.