on course for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on course for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to the path or direction someone or something is taking, usually implying that they will reach a certain goal or destination. For example, you could say: "We are on course for a successful launch of the new product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm definitely on course for the Olympics.

The Guardian - Sport

On course for a continued boom.

The Guardian - Money

"Britain is on course for surplus, on course for lower taxes, on course for more jobs, on course for higher growth, on course for a truly national recovery," Osborne said.

The Guardian

Is Japan, then, on course for a wider recovery?

The New York Times

Golfer Charley Hull on course for Olympic success.

The Guardian - Sport

Should be on course for a double century, then.

The Guardian - Sport

I think at the moment we're on course for that.

The Guardian - Sport

But we are well on course for year two".

The Guardian - Money

She is now on course for three more Olympic medals.

The New York Times - Sports

Australia are on course for 200-plus here.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Key Points ABC is an on-site, practical, hands-on course for graduate students of biology.

Briefings in Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on course for" to clearly indicate progress towards a specific, measurable goal or outcome. Ensure the context provides enough information about the goal for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "on course for" without a clear, defined outcome. For example, instead of saying "The project is on course", specify "The project is on course for completion by the end of the quarter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on course for" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating direction or progress toward a specific goal or outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to show that someone or something is moving in the right direction to achieve something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on course for" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate progress towards a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It's frequently found in News & Media and Sports contexts, signifying a trajectory toward a positive outcome. While highly useful, it's important to ensure the context provides a clear understanding of the intended target. Alternatives like "on track for" or "heading towards" can be used, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on track for

Emphasizes maintaining the correct path towards a goal, similar to "on course for".

heading towards

Focuses on the direction of movement toward a future state or outcome.

moving toward

Highlights the action of progressing towards a particular objective.

progressing toward

Stresses the gradual advancement in the direction of a defined goal.

aiming for

Indicates an intention or purpose to achieve a specific target.

working towards

Implies dedicated effort and action being taken to reach a certain goal.

geared toward

Highlights that actions or preparations are specifically designed to achieve a certain result.

pointed toward

Suggests a clear indication or direction that suggests a particular outcome is probable.

set to achieve

Expresses a strong likelihood of accomplishing a specific objective.

destined for

Indicates a predetermined or highly probable outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "on course for" in a sentence?

You can use "on course for" to indicate progress toward a specific goal. For example, "The company is "on course for record profits" this year".

What can I say instead of "on course for"?

Alternatives include "on track for", "heading towards", or "moving toward", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "on course to" instead of "on course for"?

"On course for" is the idiomatic and widely accepted phrase. "On course to" is less common and can sound awkward in many contexts. It's generally better to use "on course for" followed by a noun or gerund.

What's the difference between "on track for" and "on course for"?

While similar, "on track for" typically refers to staying within a schedule or plan, whereas "on course for" can refer to a broader trajectory toward a goal or outcome. They are often interchangeable, but "on track" emphasizes timing and planning more directly.