set on a trajectory

USAGE SUMMARY

"set on a trajectory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a path or headed direction, usually towards a goal. For example, "The project was set on a trajectory to be completed in two months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Over time, the student under-performs, cannot access mainstream curriculum, is not allowed in (or fails out) of advance, honors, and AP classes, and is set on a trajectory of underachievement, low self-esteem, and limited opportunities.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

So that part of the budget that doesn't include entitlements and doesn't include defense – that we have the most control over – we're actually setting on a downward trajectory in terms of percentage of G.D.P.

The New York Times

So that part of the budget that doesn't include entitlements and doesn't include defense - that we have the most control over - we're actually setting on a downward trajectory in terms of percentage of G.D.P.

HuffPost

Public sector: wages will be set on a downward trajectory by 2019 and shaped to fit "the skill, performance and responsibility" of staff.

The Guardian

But from the early 60s Miller was set on a different trajectory; he became the film critic of the New Yorker and in 1964 editor of the BBC's flagship arts television programme, Monitor.

The Guardian

French crime maestro Pierre Lemaitre continues his upward movement in Three Days and a Life (MacLehose, £14.99, trans. Frank Wynne), with a 12-year-old boy set on a grim trajectory following the disappearance of another child.

The Guardian - Books

If a child is raised in abject poverty, educated in sub-par schools with little resources or opportunities, that student, in many cases, has already been set on a tilted trajectory.

HuffPost

Our world is incredibly global and if one girl in India is set on an upward trajectory of education, employment, as well as financial and personal fulfillment, she can transform the trajectories of those after her.

HuffPost

Ed Miliband's speech reminded us of the "forgotten 50%", those who don't go to university, who aren't set on an elite trajectory from childhood.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We have set ourselves on a trajectory," Mr. Fillon said.

The New York Times

"Xi must avoid the flaws of Putinism, which have set Russia on a trajectory for long-term stagnation," warns Alexander Gabuev, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Moscow Center.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set on a trajectory" to convey a sense of established momentum and direction. For instance, "The new policy set the company on a trajectory for sustainable growth."

Common error

Avoid using "set on a trajectory" when describing a short-term plan or goal. This phrase implies a longer-term direction and established momentum, not a fleeting action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set on a trajectory" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of initiating or directing something or someone towards a specific course or direction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set on a trajectory" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates the initiation of a specific direction or course, often towards a defined goal. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news, scientific, formal and business contexts and suitable for neutral to formal registers. While not exceptionally frequent, it effectively conveys the idea of established momentum and direction. To avoid misuse, remember that this phrase is best reserved for long-term plans and goals rather than short-term actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set upon a course

Emphasizes the deliberate choice and start of a particular course.

embarked on a course

Focuses on the initiation of a journey or plan.

headed in a direction

Emphasizes the direction of movement or progress.

started down a road

Highlights the commencement of a journey or process.

geared toward a purpose

Highlights the alignment with a specific aim or goal.

launched into a path

Suggests a strong and decisive beginning on a specific route.

progressing along a route

Emphasizes the ongoing movement along a defined route or plan.

directed toward an objective

Focuses on the orientation toward a defined objective or outcome.

moving towards a target

Focuses on the advancement toward a specific target or goal.

oriented toward an aim

Highlights the alignment and focus on a specific aim or objective.

FAQs

How can I use "set on a trajectory" in a sentence?

Use "set on a trajectory" to describe the beginning of a path or direction, often toward a specific goal or outcome. For example, "The new educational program set students on a trajectory for college success".

What can I say instead of "set on a trajectory"?

You can use alternatives like "embarked on a course", "headed in a direction", or "geared toward a purpose" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "set on a trajectory" or "set in a trajectory"?

"Set on a trajectory" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "Set in a trajectory" is not a standard expression.

What's the difference between "set on a trajectory" and "set on a path"?

While similar, "set on a trajectory" implies a more defined and directional course, often with a specific goal in mind, whereas "set on a path" is more general, suggesting a route or direction without necessarily implying a specific end point.