off course

USAGE SUMMARY

"off course" is correct and usable in written English as an idiom.
You can use it when you want to express agreement or understanding in response to a statement. For example, you could say "Yes, off course I remember where we first met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You can never get knocked off course.

The New Yorker

Rosoff is not thrown off course.

Independent

Instead, they kept plunging off course.

Independent

But Mr. Romney veered off course.

The New York Times

Panicked and confused, they went off course.

The New Yorker

He could blow off course.

The Guardian

Here's where the reporting went off course.

The Washington Post

Migratory birds can be thrown off course.

The New York Times

9 36 31 Plane turns off course.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Down here, internal compasses are thrown off-course.

BBC

Letting others steer you off-course.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a project that has failed, emphasize "going off course" early in the process to highlight that there were chances to rectify the problems.

Common error

Avoid confusing "off course", which means deviating from a route or plan, with "of course", which expresses agreement or obviousness. They have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off course" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate a state of deviation from a planned route, expected behavior, or intended goal. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "off course" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe deviations from a planned route, expected behavior, or intended goal. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is common, appearing most often in news and media sources. When writing, be sure to use "off course" to indicate deviation and avoid confusing it with "of course", which expresses agreement. Ludwig examples show that the phrase can refer to physical routes as well as more abstract plans. This is a versatile phrase with a clear meaning and wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wandering off course

Indicates a gradual and perhaps unintentional deviation from the intended direction.

deviating from the plan

Focuses on the divergence from an established plan, emphasizing the planning aspect.

veering off track

Emphasizes a sudden change in direction, often unintentional, from a set course.

straying from the path

Implies a wandering away from a literal or figurative path, suggesting a loss of direction.

losing one's way

Highlights the feeling of being lost and uncertain, either literally or figuratively.

getting sidetracked

Suggests being distracted and losing focus on the main objective, indicating a temporary diversion.

going astray

Carries a stronger negative connotation, implying moral or behavioral deviation.

going off the rails

Implies a severe loss of control, often with negative consequences, suggesting a dramatic deviation.

diverging from the norm

Focuses on deviating from what is considered typical or expected, emphasizing societal standards.

taking a detour

Suggests a deliberate alternative route, often for exploration or to avoid obstacles.

FAQs

How is "off course" used in a sentence?

The phrase "off course" is used to indicate a deviation from a planned route or expected path. For example: "The ship went "off course" due to the storm" or "The project went "off course" when the budget was cut".

What's a good substitute for "off course"?

Alternatives to "off course" include "deviating from the plan", "straying from the path", or "getting sidetracked". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "off course" or "of course" when talking about a deviation?

When describing a deviation from a route or plan, the correct phrase is "off course". "Of course" expresses agreement or obviousness and is not interchangeable.

Can "off course" apply to abstract situations, or only physical journeys?

"Off course" can be used in both physical and abstract contexts. You can say a ship went "off course" due to navigational errors, or that a business strategy went "off course" due to unforeseen market changes.