set in motion a course of action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set in motion a course of action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the initiation of a process or the beginning of a specific plan or activity. Example: "The committee's decision to allocate funds will set in motion a course of action to improve community services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Francisco Dall'Anese, the commissioner of the United Nations panel, said the Ríos Montt trial had set in motion a course that would be difficult to halt.

The New York Times

To see our blessings is to set in motion the course of action meant for our purpose in life.

Huffington Post

New Jersey has set in motion an ambitious course of reform in partnership with the Justice Department that we will see through to conclusion.

The New York Times

The action of a majority of the council set in motion a lawsuit for a breach of contract with a vendor.

Los Angeles Times

Nonetheless, the actions of everyone associated with the Riggs scandal have set in motion a reappraisal of the guardians of the American financial system.

The New York Times

set in motion a realignment of the two parties.

The New York Times

The initial funds set in motion a flurry of activity.

Forbes

Powell had set in motion a revolt of the rich.

HuffPost

That set in motion a huge shuffling of the portfolio.

The New York Times

It set in motion a rapid chain of events.

The Washington Post

The British then, of course, set in motion a process that made the country Jewish, even though its population was 90% Arab.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set in motion a course of action" to clearly indicate the beginning of a well-defined plan with specific steps. It provides a sense of purpose and direction to the subsequent actions.

Common error

Avoid using "set in motion a course of action" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "start a plan" or "begin the process" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set in motion a course of action" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation or commencement of a specific plan or sequence of activities. It's typically used to describe the start of a deliberate and structured approach to achieving a particular goal. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set in motion a course of action" is a phrase used to describe the initiation of a deliberate and structured plan. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, it's most appropriate for formal or professional contexts, like News & Media. Alternatives such as "initiate a plan" or "launch a strategy" can be considered for varied contexts. Though grammatically correct, be mindful of overusing it in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate a plan

Focuses on the commencement of a structured plan.

trigger a process

Emphasizes the activation of a series of events.

spark an initiative

Highlights the generation of a new project or undertaking.

launch a strategy

Implies a deliberate and planned introduction of a strategic approach.

set in train a series of events

Underscores the sequential nature of the events that follow.

put into effect a strategy

Highlights implementation and practical application.

establish a procedure

Focuses on creating a formal method or protocol.

set the stage for action

Suggests creating conditions that allow or encourage action.

commence a course of conduct

Formal and emphasizes behavior or actions over time.

get the ball rolling

Informal and emphasizes the beginning of something.

FAQs

How can I use "set in motion a course of action" in a sentence?

You can use "set in motion a course of action" to describe the beginning of a process or plan. For example, "The new policy will set in motion a course of action to improve employee morale."

What are some alternatives to "set in motion a course of action"?

Alternatives include "initiate a plan", "trigger a process", or "launch a strategy", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "set in motion a course of action"?

It is best used in formal writing or when describing deliberate, structured plans, and processes. It is less suitable for informal contexts.

How does "set in motion a course of action" differ from "take action"?

"Set in motion a course of action" implies a planned series of steps, whereas "take action" is a more general term for initiating any activity. One indicates that the action is part of a plan while the other doesn't imply any planning.