on the same course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the same course" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used when speaking of continuing or persisting in a certain action or behavior. For example, "The twins have been on the same course since childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(There is also a 5K footrace that takes place on the same course, earlier in the evening).

The New York Times

"She was studying medicine on the same course as one of my flatmates.

The Guardian - Sport

That is because the problem is a cross-border one: How do you get New York and London to agree on the same course of action?

The New York Times

And one of the presidential nominees wants to stay on the same course.

Huffington Post

They set out on the same course.

The New York Times

In our own backyard, Haiti is on the same course.

The New York Times

Five months later, he won the United States Open on the same course.

The New York Times - Sports

However, as a Socialist government embarks on the same course, the reaction is more muted.

The Economist

Helena and Joel Haran are students on the same course at Falmouth University.

The Guardian

I deliver four seminars a week, on the same course, for about £14 an hour.

The Guardian

Twenty-four hours later, he won another downhill on the same course.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the same course" when you want to emphasize that people or things are aligned in their actions, direction, or studies. It implies a shared trajectory or consistent approach.

Common error

Avoid using "on the same course" to simply describe being in the same physical location. The phrase typically implies a shared goal or direction, not just proximity. For example, instead of saying "They were on the same course in the park" to mean they were both in the park, specify their activity: "They were running "on the same track"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the same course" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as an adverbial to modify verbs, indicating a shared direction, path, or objective. It highlights that subjects are aligned in their pursuits or actions, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Sports

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the same course" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe shared direction, alignment, or pursuit of common goals. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in News & Media, Sports, and Formal & Business contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it to indicate a shared direction or objective, and not a mere physical location. Alternatives such as "following the same path" or "pursuing the same objective" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning. With its clear meaning and consistent usage, "on the same course" remains a reliable way to express alignment and shared progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving in the same direction

Focuses on the shared trajectory or trend.

following the same path

Focuses on the directional aspect of the course, emphasizing movement along a similar route.

travelling the same road

Like "following the same path", uses different words to express the idea of sharing the same experiences.

walking the same line

Emphasizes adherence to a specific standard or set of rules.

pursuing the same objective

Highlights the shared goal or aim, shifting the focus from the method to the outcome.

working towards a common goal

Highlights the collaborative aspect of striving for a shared objective.

aligned in their approach

Emphasizes the similarity in methods or strategies used.

advancing side by side

This suggests simultaneous progression towards shared objectives.

in agreement on the plan

Highlights shared understanding and acceptance of a particular strategy.

concurring on the strategy

This alternative emphasize the similar way to move in strategy.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the same course" to describe people studying the same subject, organizations following similar strategies, or individuals progressing towards a shared objective. For example, "The students were "on the same course" at university", or "The companies were "on the same course" to expand internationally".

What does it mean to be "on the same course" as someone?

Being "on the same course" as someone means sharing similar goals, direction, or educational pursuits. It suggests alignment and a common trajectory.

What's the difference between "on the same page" and "on the same course"?

"On the same page" implies agreement or understanding, while "on the same course" implies a shared path or direction, often over a longer period. You're on the same page if you both understand a plan, but you're on the same course if you're both pursuing the same degree.

What can I say instead of "on the same course" to describe a shared goal?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pursuing the same objective", "aligned in their approach", or "working towards a common goal".