plots the course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plots the course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of determining a direction or plan of action, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The team leader plots the course for the project, ensuring everyone knows their roles and responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

With the BBC's first centenary coming up in a few years' time, Lord Hall is right to look back, as well as forward, as he plots the course ahead.

Independent

In a series of 19 taut and well-constructed scenes, Mr. Jaworowski plots the course of five seemingly unrelated lives that are gradually revealed to be closely interconnected and that will be irrevocably altered through circumstance and coincidence.

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

The navigator plots the course; Fair Tide's Navigate figures the compass readings, expected time of landfall, depth of water, buoys, etc.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 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

Irish-Americans, Italian-Americans, blacks, Asian-Americans and Jewish Americans have all read the same chapters and plotted the course to mainstream influence, but not with equal success.

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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plots the course", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a literal path or a metaphorical plan of action. For example, "The navigator plots the course across the ocean" versus "The CEO plots the course for the company's future."

Common error

While "plots the course" can be used in various contexts, avoid using it in situations where a simpler verb like "plans" or "directs" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plots the course" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of planning or charting a route or strategy. As Ludwig AI explains, this can apply to both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plots the course" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of strategically planning a route or path. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a formal or neutral register. Alternatives like "charts the course" or "plans the trajectory" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. It's important to use the phrase appropriately, avoiding overly literal or simplistic applications to maintain clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

charts the course

Emphasizes navigation and direction-setting, similar to plotting, but with a stronger visual connotation.

plans the trajectory

Focuses on outlining a path or direction of movement over time, whether literal or figurative.

designs the route

Highlights the act of creating or mapping out a specific path or procedure.

maps out the direction

Similar to charting, but emphasizes a more exploratory or investigative approach to planning.

establishes the strategy

Shifts the focus to a broader, more strategic approach to achieving a goal.

lays out the blueprint

Implies a detailed and comprehensive plan, often for construction or development.

formulates the approach

Stresses the process of developing a method or strategy to deal with a particular situation.

devises the scheme

Suggests a more elaborate or inventive plan, sometimes with a hint of cunning or ingenuity.

outlines the procedure

Focuses on the specific steps or actions required to achieve a particular outcome.

sets the agenda

Involves determining the priorities and topics to be addressed in a particular context.

FAQs

What does "plots the course" mean?

The phrase "plots the course" refers to planning or determining a specific route or direction, either literally (like navigation) or figuratively (like strategic planning). It implies careful consideration and mapping out of a path to follow.

What are some synonyms for "plots the course"?

Alternatives to "plots the course" include "charts the course", "plans the trajectory", and "designs the route". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How can "plots the course" be used in a sentence?

Examples of using "plots the course" in a sentence include: "The captain plots the course to avoid the storm" or "The strategist plots the course for the company's growth."

Is it better to say "plans the course" or "plots the course"?

Both "plans the course" and "plots the course" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many situations. "Plots the course" often carries a connotation of more detailed or technical planning, while "plans the course" is generally more straightforward.