on the course

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the course" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation when someone is participating in an activity. Example: "I saw John on the course during the golf tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nice to get one up on the course.

Los Angeles Times

Boats are sometimes moored on the course.

The New York Times - Sports

However, this depends on the course.

Independent

Practice on the course.

The New York Times - Sports

On the course.

The Guardian - Sport

On the course search.

The Guardian

French fans on the course.

The Guardian - Sport

They're on the course website.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Dufner's expression never changes on the course.

The New York Times

Disillusioned, Higgins gave up on the course.

The Guardian

Two groups left out on the course.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the course" in the context of golf or other sports, ensure it's clear whether you're referring to physical location or progress within the competition. For example, "He is currently on the course" (location) versus "His performance on the course was exceptional" (performance).

Common error

Avoid using "in the course" when you mean "on the course," especially in sports contexts. "In the course" usually refers to 'during' or 'as part of' a process, while "on the course" refers to the physical location or performance within a competition or training program.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the course" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location, state, or condition. Ludwig provides many examples demonstrating this use, like being physically present on a golf course or engaged in a specific program.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the course" is a versatile prepositional phrase commonly used to denote physical location, progress, or performance within an activity, as validated by Ludwig. It finds frequent application in News & Media, Academia, and Science, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. To avoid confusion, be mindful to distinguish it from "in the course", ensuring correct usage based on the intended meaning. Remember that using "on the course" accurately enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the race

Focuses specifically on a race scenario, replacing 'course' with 'race'.

in the competition

Highlights the competitive aspect, using 'competition' instead of 'course'.

participating in the class

Specifically refers to taking part in a class, changing 'course' to 'class'.

attending the training

Implies being present at a training session, substituting 'course' with 'training'.

engaged in the study

Emphasizes active involvement in a study or research activity.

involved in the program

Broadly indicates participation in a program.

taking part in the curriculum

Refers to participating in a specific curriculum, a more formal context.

pursuing the subject

Focuses on the act of studying a particular subject matter.

following the syllabus

Specifically relates to adhering to a syllabus or course outline.

undergoing the instruction

Implies receiving instruction or training, with a more formal tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the course" to describe someone's location during an activity, such as "The players are currently "on the course" playing golf" or to describe performance, like "His performance "on the course" was outstanding".

What is the difference between "on the course" and "in the course"?

"On the course" typically refers to a physical location or direct participation in an activity, while "in the course" usually means 'during' or 'as part of'. For example, you're "on the course" when playing golf, but you might learn something new "in the course" of your studies.

What are some alternatives to saying "on the course"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "during the game", "in the competition", or "at the training" as alternatives to "on the course".

Is "on the course" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "on the course" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing sports, academic programs, or training. However, ensure the context aligns with the specific meaning, which is generally related to location or direct participation in an activity.