pursuing a different course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pursuing a different course" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a change in direction or strategy, whether in personal decisions, business strategies, or academic paths. Example: "After careful consideration, we decided that pursuing a different course would be more beneficial for our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Barr has been pursuing a different course.

The New Yorker

Now we're pursuing a different course, a forward strategy of freedom in the Middle East.

The New York Times

"Your nation and mine in the past have been willing to make a bargain: to tolerate oppression for the sake of stability.... Now we're pursuing a different course, a forward strategy of freedom in the Middle East.

The New Yorker

Now, President Trump's lawyers are pursuing a different course: cooperating with the special counsel in the hope that Mr. Mueller will declare in the coming months that Mr. Trump is not a target of the Russia inquiry.

The New York Times

"It's pretty incredible that in the midst of school districts rushing to expand the role of police in schools that Denver public schools is pursuing a different course," said Judith Browne Dianis, co-director of the Advancement Project, which works on discipline issues nationally and was involved in the Denver effort.

The Washington Post

The Conservative leader has acknowledged the constraints on his party of it being in alliance with the Liberal Democrats and has suggested it would be pursuing a different course on welfare, Europe and other issues if it had a working majority of its own.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It is hard to see what reason they'd have to pursue a different course at this juncture".

The New Yorker

But it also suggests that there were many moments when DC – and the nation – could have pursued a different course.

The Guardian

The Court correctly notes that Illinois may choose to pursue a different course with respect to the state exclusionary rule.

Cornell University

"Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course," George Washington said in his farewell address of 1796.

The New York Times

If I were ruthlessly ambitious I would have pursued a different course, like all the other Reds who joined Labour around the same time as me.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pursuing a different course", ensure it's clear what the original course was and why the change is being made. Providing context enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "pursuing a different course" without explaining the reasons behind the shift. Always provide context or rationale for the change in strategy to maintain credibility and inform the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursuing a different course" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a clause to describe a decision or action involving a change in strategy or direction. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pursuing a different course" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a shift in strategy or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable, with examples spanning news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, providing context or rationale for the change is essential. Alternatives such as ""adopting a new strategy"" or "changing direction" can be used based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopting a new strategy

Focuses on the intentional implementation of a new strategic plan.

changing direction

Emphasizes a shift in the overall path or trajectory.

taking an alternative path

Highlights the selection of a different route or method to achieve a goal.

shifting focus

Indicates a change in priorities or emphasis.

employing a different tactic

Suggests the use of a new specific method to achieve a short-term goal.

revising the approach

Implies a refinement or modification of an existing method.

altering the methodology

Focuses on changing the systematic procedure used.

pivoting to a new plan

Conveys a more agile or reactive shift in response to changing circumstances.

redirecting efforts

Highlights a reallocation of resources and energy toward a new objective.

embarking on a different journey

Emphasizes the beginning of a new and distinct endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "pursuing a different course" in a sentence?

You can use "pursuing a different course" to describe a shift in strategy or direction. For example, "After the initial plan failed, the team decided on "adopting a new strategy" and "pursuing a different course"".

What's a more formal way to say "pursuing a different course"?

In a formal setting, you might opt for alternatives like ""adopting a new strategy"" or "revising the approach" to maintain a professional tone.

What verbs collocate well with "different course"?

Common verbs that collocate well with "different course" include "pursue", "take", "chart", and "follow". For example, "They decided to "pursuing a different course" of action" or "It's time to "take a different course"".

Is there a difference between "pursuing a different course" and "changing direction"?

"Pursuing a different course" often implies a more deliberate and strategic shift, while "changing direction" can suggest a more immediate or reactive adjustment. The former emphasizes the path, the latter the heading.