plot the course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plot the course" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to the development of a plan of action or strategy. For example, "We plotted the course for the project and determined the timeline for completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

She climbed to the roof and, using a Dolland telescope, became the first American and the first woman to plot the course of an unknown comet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Britons are able to plot the course of January's bad weather in real time thanks to the UK Snow Map, which overlays pictures and tweets containing information about snowfall in different areas on to a Google map.

Independent

In the 1870s and 1880s, these photographers were frequently employed by government and commercially sponsored land survey expeditions, which came west in search of mining opportunities and to plot the course of the railroads.

The Guardian - Arts

"We've established the model on how a boxer conducts his business," said Ellerbe, who, along with the music promoter Al Haymon, helps Mayweather plot the course of his career.

The New York Times - Sports

Ten thousand took the test, 20 were offered jobs, and many of those began early in their careers to plot the course of the third tunnel, a vast excavating job still under way.

The New York Times

Novelists from James Baldwin to Alan Hollinghurst and Philip Hensher have shown that gay writers are as well-placed as anyone to plot the course of political and cultural change.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

She plotted the course on paper, with plenty of frustrating dead ends.

The New York Times

He is described as "embracing the impossible and plots the course of our daring future".

The Guardian

Just as the White House carefully plots the course of coverage for a presidential trip overseas, so does the Chinese government.

The New York Times

Design is an essential step in the creation of a system as the design plots the course that later development steps will take.

Data Analytics for Intelligent Transportation Systems

This year's excellent album, I Love You, Honeybear, plots the course of this miracle, from the Rorschach blots of bodily fluids on hotel sheets to the compulsive honesty.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plot the course", consider the context. If you are referring to a literal journey, use navigational terms. For strategic planning, use business-oriented language.

Common error

Avoid using "plot the course" when simply deciding on a single action. The phrase implies a more involved planning process spanning a longer duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plot the course" functions primarily as a verbal phrase. It signifies the act of planning or charting a specific direction or strategy. Ludwig AI affirms the phrase's correctness and usability, supported by examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plot the course" is a valid and useful phrase for describing the act of strategic planning or charting a direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts, though most commonly found in News & Media, Scientific, and Formal & Business domains. While alternatives like "plan the course" or "chart the course" exist, the original phrase carries a unique emphasis on deliberate strategizing and route determination. Remember to consider the specific nuances when choosing between these options to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plan the course

Focuses more on the planning aspect, emphasizing the creation of a detailed strategy.

chart the course

Similar to the original phrase, but with a stronger emphasis on navigation and mapping.

outline the course

Emphasizes creating a summary or overview of the plan, rather than the detailed planning itself.

trace the course

Focuses on following or mapping an existing path, rather than creating a new one.

map out the direction

Emphasizes the act of visually representing the intended route or strategy.

lay out the strategy

Focuses specifically on detailing a strategic plan, often in a business or military context.

design the approach

Emphasizes the creative and deliberate process of developing a method.

establish the roadmap

Implies creating a visual guide for a project, highlighting key milestones.

formulate the plan

Focuses on the mental process of creating a structured plan or method.

determine the path

Emphasizes the act of selecting a specific route or course of action from several possibilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "plot the course" to describe the act of planning a strategy or route. For example: "The company needs to plot the course for the next five years".

What can I say instead of "plot the course"?

Alternatives include "plan the course", "chart the course", or "outline the course" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "plot the course" or "chart the course"?

Both "plot the course" and "chart the course" are valid. "Plot" emphasizes planning and strategizing, while "chart" gives more emphasis on mapping and navigation. The best choice depends on the context.

What does it mean to "plot the course" for a business?

To "plot the course" for a business means to create a detailed plan of action, including goals, strategies, and timelines, to achieve its desired outcomes. This involves careful analysis and forecasting.