set a course for

USAGE SUMMARY

"set a course for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to talk about setting the direction for a journey, goal, or plan. For example: "We have set a course for success by creating a detailed plan and timeline for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your mission: Set a course for Neptune.

The New York Times

A few carriers, however, have set a course for sustainability.

The New York Times

Instead, we set a course for Crow Rock Lodge, on the western side of the lake.

The New York Times - Travel

Over all, he must set a course for growth even as he shrinks the company.

The New York Times

I do not "set a course for adventure, my mind on a new romance".

The Guardian - Travel

Others said the declaration was important at least symbolically and could set a course for action.

The New York Times - Science

A YEAR ago Egyptians voted in record numbers to amend their constitution and set a course for democracy.

The Economist

"From an early age, he set a course for his life and followed it happily," Knight said of Garfinkel.

The New York Times - Sports

In one episode, her father hitched their belongings to a pair of donkeys and set a course for South America.

The New York Times

The regulations will help set a course for distributed renewable energy in the largest solar market in the United States.

MIT Technology Review

To set a course for the unknown in anticipation of physical and mental torture requires a suspension of common sense.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set a course for", ensure the destination or goal is clearly defined to provide context and purpose to the phrase. For example: "The company set a course for sustainable growth by investing in renewable energy sources."

Common error

Avoid using "set a course for" in contexts where a firm decision has already been made and action is underway. This phrase implies the beginning of a strategic direction, not the execution of an existing plan.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a course for" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily acting as a verb phrase. It signifies the act of establishing a direction, plan, or strategy towards a specific goal or destination. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set a course for" is a versatile idiomatic phrase used to indicate the establishment of a direction or plan toward a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, academia, and general writing. While adaptable to various contexts, it's essential to maintain clarity and precision in more formal settings, considering alternatives where appropriate. The phrase's frequent occurrence in authoritative sources reinforces its acceptability and common usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chart a course toward

Emphasizes planning and navigation, similar to setting a direction.

establish a trajectory for

Focuses on creating a path or progression towards something.

lay the groundwork for

Highlights preparation and foundational steps towards a future outcome.

head in the direction of

Implies a physical movement or progression towards a specific location.

aim for

Suggests targeting a specific goal or objective.

make headway toward

Indicates progress and advancement in a particular direction.

take steps toward

Emphasizes the actions taken to move closer to a desired result.

move in the direction of

Highlights a shift in orientation or focus towards something.

orient oneself toward

Focuses on aligning one's actions and intentions with a specific goal.

target

Concise way of indicating the destination or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "set a course for" in a sentence?

You can use "set a course for" to describe the act of establishing a direction or plan. For example, "The new CEO "set a course for" innovation and market expansion".

What can I say instead of "set a course for"?

You can use alternatives like "chart a course toward", "establish a trajectory for", or "aim for" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "set a course for" in formal writing?

Yes, "set a course for" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in business, academic, and news contexts. Ludwig shows that the phrase is widely used by authoritative sources.

What's the difference between "set a course for" and "head toward"?

"Set a course for" often implies a strategic or planned direction, while "head toward" typically suggests a more literal or immediate movement in a particular direction. For example, a ship might "head toward" a port, but a company "set a course for" profitability.