set the course for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set the course for" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase typically means to determine the intended direction or plan that will be followed. For example, you could say, "The mayor set the course for a new community development project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Dr. Kabat set the course for mapping their molecular structure.

The New York Times

This set the course for the third act.

The Guardian

Whether he knew it or not, Noah set the course for bias against singles.

The New York Times

Its promise of eventual absolute independence set the course for future American policy in the islands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By then Mr. Skilling had decided that weather would set the course for his life.

The New York Times

That set the course for the rest of my young life".

The New Yorker

Those atrocities set the course for the remainder of his presidency.

The Economist

The relationship would set the course for the rest of his life.

The New York Times

Harry established our first community residence and set the course for our future.

The New York Times

This, too, I believe, has set the course for N.F.L. broadcasters.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, in 2009, he stumbled into the moment that set the course for the soccer club.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set the course for" when you want to emphasize that a decision or action is significantly influencing future events or outcomes. It's suitable for describing long-term effects and strategic direction.

Common error

Avoid using "set the course for" when describing short-term or easily reversible effects. This phrase implies a significant and lasting impact, so ensure the context warrants such a strong assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set the course for" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It indicates the act of establishing a direction or plan that will significantly influence future events or outcomes. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set the course for" is a frequently used and grammatically sound idiomatic expression that signifies establishing a directional plan that influences future events. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. When using this phrase, it's best to focus on conveying a significant and lasting impact while avoiding overstatements. Alternatives such as "determine the direction of" or "pave the way for" can be considered to subtly modify the intended meaning. By understanding the nuances of "set the course for" and its alternatives, writers can effectively communicate the lasting implications of decisions and actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chart the course for

Very similar, but emphasizes planning and navigation towards a specific goal.

determine the direction of

Focuses more on the act of deciding the direction, rather than initiating a series of events.

lay the groundwork for

Emphasizes preparing a foundation for future developments, implying a more gradual process.

pave the way for

Suggests removing obstacles and making it easier for something to happen.

shape the future of

Highlights the act of influencing the overall form or nature of something in the future.

set the stage for

Highlights the preparation and arrangement of circumstances to allow something to occur.

influence the trajectory of

Implies a strong impact on the path something takes, often used in more formal contexts.

dictate the terms of

Indicates a more forceful and controlling influence over the outcome.

establish a precedent for

Implies setting an example or standard that will be followed in similar situations.

initiate the process of

Focuses on starting a series of actions or steps leading to a particular result.

FAQs

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

You can use "set the course for" to indicate that a particular action or decision will greatly influence future events or outcomes. For example: "The new policy will "set the course for" economic growth in the region."

What are some alternatives to "set the course for"?

Alternatives to "set the course for" include phrases like "determine the direction of", "lay the groundwork for", or "pave the way for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "set the course for" or "setting the course for"?

Both "set the course for" and "setting the course for" are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "Set the course for" is often used in past or future tense to describe a completed or intended action, while "setting the course for" is used in continuous tenses to describe an ongoing process. For example: "The meeting "set the course for" the next quarter" vs "The team is "setting the course for" future innovation".

How does "set the course for" differ from "set the stage for"?

"Set the course for" implies a longer-term influence and a directional change, while "set the stage for" typically means creating the conditions or preparing for an event to happen soon. "Set the stage for" is more about immediate readiness than long-term direction.