pulled off course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pulled off course" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe when somebody is diverted or distracted from their intended path or goal. For example, "After getting pulled off course by a series of unexpected challenges, I was no longer on track to finish my project by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

And yet every time there's talk about rebuilding the nation's jobs-machine, elected officials get pulled off course by distractions like partisan showdowns over the budget and debt ceiling; overhauling the health-insurance system; wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya; the Gulf oil spill; and the Japanese earthquake and nuclear disaster.

The Washington Post

This afternoon I'll be doing my best to get to Roots Manuva at the main stage, followed by Friends and Doom at the Big Top – although, this being Bestival, it's fairly likely I'l end up pulled off course and watching something completely unexpected instead.

The Guardian - Music

But in the rainforests of Thailand, Africa and Brazil, Camponotus leonardi ants get pulled off course by Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, a parasitic fungus (pictured above).

BBC

The Friedmans, Enlow said, "worried that their legacy foundation could potentially be pulled off course years down the road" when neither they nor any family members were still involved, as has happened to other family legacy foundations.

Forbes

Why am I so easily pulled off course?

Huffington Post

Yet we continue to get pulled off course by partisan showdowns over the budget and debt ceiling.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I will either be pulled off the course, or I will finish the race," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

There, Nagvajara was pulled off the course for skiing too slow, but he made it home yesterday, falling five times and breaking a pole.

The New York Times - Sports

I coasted to the three-mile mark and pulled off the course.

Forbes

I coasted to the 3-mile mark and pulled off the course.

Forbes

In his first Olympics four years ago, he was so slow in the 30-kilometer, he was pulled off the course.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pulled off course" when you want to emphasize that something or someone was actively diverted from their intended direction, whether literally or figuratively.

Common error

Avoid using "pulled off course" when a more passive term like "drifted" or "strayed" better describes the situation. "Pulled off course" implies a more forceful or deliberate diversion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pulled off course" functions as a verb phrase, often used in the passive voice. It describes the action of something being diverted or drawn away from its intended direction or plan. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pulled off course" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a deviation from an intended path or plan, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It implies an active diversion, whether literal or figurative. While suitable for various contexts, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, consider whether "pulled off course" accurately conveys the force and deliberateness of the diversion, or if a more passive term would be more appropriate. Remember that similar phrases include "diverted" or "sidetracked", which offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific situation you describe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sidetracked

Indicates a temporary distraction that leads one away from their main goal.

taken a detour

Suggests a temporary departure from the main route, often for a specific reason.

diverted

Suggests a redirection of path, often by an external force or circumstance.

drifted

Implies a gradual and unintentional deviation from the intended path.

strayed

Indicates a wandering or deviation, often unintentional.

derailed

Implies a more abrupt and potentially catastrophic deviation from a planned course.

deflected

Implies a physical or metaphorical redirection from a course.

lost track

Indicates a loss of focus or awareness of the intended course.

led astray

Implies a deceptive or misleading influence causing deviation.

gone awry

Suggests something has gone wrong, causing a deviation from the plan.

FAQs

How can I use "pulled off course" in a sentence?

You can use "pulled off course" to describe situations where someone or something is diverted from its intended path or plan. For example: "The project was "pulled off course" by unexpected budget cuts."

What's a similar phrase to "pulled off course"?

Alternatives to "pulled off course" include "diverted", "sidetracked", or "derailed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "knocked off course" instead of "pulled off course"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "knocked off course" often implies a more sudden and forceful impact, whereas "pulled off course" suggests a more gradual or deliberate diversion. Choose the phrase that best reflects the situation.

What is the difference between "pulled off course" and "pushed off course"?

"Pulled off course" implies something actively drawing or leading away from the intended path, while "pushed off course" implies a more forceful, direct impact causing the deviation.