on another tack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on another tack" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a change in approach or direction in a discussion or situation. Example: "After considering the feedback, I decided to take the project on another tack to better meet the client's needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

On another tack, BHP has been one of a handful of names mentioned as a possible predator for gases group BG, up 11.5p to 1202.5p.

The Guardian - Business

On another tack, maybe, like me, you involuntarily flinched at the use of the word "bastard"?

The Guardian - Opinion

— MIKE HALE AND NEIL GENZLINGER MIKE HALE: On another tack: which of the new shows have you particularly disliked?

The New York Times

Every five minutes a new quest is announced, sending us rattling off on another tack, each more fatuously inconsequential than the last.

The Guardian - Film

On another tack, a couple of competitors submitted clues that referred obliquely to J. B. S. Haldane and his statement that 'The Creator, if He exists, has a special preference for beetles.' I confess that I didn't know this quotation but even if I had known it I think I would have judged the reference to be a little too specialized for fairness.

The Guardian

On another tack, if the City was the power-house for wealth generation, why do economists differentiate between the financial markets and the 'real' economy.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And finally Bickerton 1998, on yet another tack, posits a massive saltative episode in which large chunks of syntax emerged all at once, although this posit is implicitly withdrawn in Calvin and Bickerton 2000.

SEP

Griner received an automatic one-game suspension from the Big 12 and Kim Mulkey, Baylor's coach, tacked on another game.

The New York Times

The stock market, meanwhile, took another tack on Tuesday.

The New York Times

And she fills me in on her education taking another tack – her path to becoming published.

The Guardian - Books

And she fills me in on her education taking another tack – her path to becoming published.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on another tack" to clearly signal a deliberate shift in the conversation or plan, making the transition smooth for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "on another tack" to abruptly introduce information that has no logical connection to the preceding discussion. This can confuse your audience and disrupt the flow of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on another tack" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a shift in perspective, strategy, or topic. It signals a conscious decision to change course, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on another tack" is a prepositional phrase used to signal a change in approach or direction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While not exceedingly frequent, it serves as a clear indicator of a deliberate shift in strategy. Remember to use it when you want to smoothly transition to a new subject or suggest a different course of action. Avoiding its misuse to introduce unrelated information is crucial for maintaining clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking a different approach

Emphasizes the act of adopting a new method or strategy.

changing direction

Highlights the alteration of the intended path or course.

shifting focus

Indicates a change in the main point of attention or emphasis.

adopting a new strategy

Focuses on the implementation of a different plan of action.

turning to a new subject

Specifies a transition to a different topic of discussion.

moving on to something else

Suggests a general shift to a new topic or activity.

considering an alternative

Highlights the act of exploring a different option or possibility.

exploring a different avenue

Emphasizes the investigation of a new path or method.

switching gears

Indicates a sudden and noticeable change in approach or activity.

trying a different angle

Focuses on approaching a problem or situation from a new perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "on another tack" in a sentence?

"On another tack" is used to indicate a change in approach or direction. For example, "We've tried this method without success; let's proceed "on another tack"."

What does "on another tack" mean?

The phrase "on another tack" means to take a different approach or direction, often after the initial approach has proven unsuccessful or less desirable.

Which is correct, "on another tack" or "on a different tack"?

Both "on another tack" and "on a different tack" are correct and convey the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What can I say instead of "on another tack"?

You can use alternatives like "taking a different approach", "changing direction", or "shifting focus" depending on the context.