setting a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setting a course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of determining a direction or plan of action, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The committee is setting a course for the future of the organization, focusing on sustainability and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We must repair our fiscal foundation, setting a course to a balanced budget.

The Washington Post

Plenty of oil companies are setting a course for the Arctic, including ExxonMobil.

The Economist

Yet the real influence of voters in setting a course for the future is minimal.

The Guardian - Opinion

He broke the tape, setting a course record by five seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

The varmint who speaks it means a nearby town, but he is, unwittingly, setting a course for the entire film.

The New Yorker

Clearly, great talent can trump a carefully calculated set, but setting a course does have its advantages.

The New York Times - Sports

We must act now to stop people in rickety boats setting a course for the UK Daily Mirrorr).

The Guardian

The World Economic Forum, the body that has organised the event since 1971, says this week should all be about setting a course for Globalisation 4.0.

The Guardian - Business

Republicans are now deeply divided on what should be done, and the president is no help in setting a course for the party.

The New York Times

On a traditional ocean course, a great deal of activity would go into tacking and setting a course, followed by a long period of relative inactivity.

Harvard Business Review

Successful Chancellors do not become so by giving in to special pleading, or chasing the opinion polls – they succeed by setting a course and doggedly pursuing it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "setting a course" in writing, ensure that the subject is clearly defined. For example, instead of writing "setting a course for success", specify who or what is setting the course, such as "The company is setting a course for success through innovation".

Common error

Avoid using "setting a course" in overly abstract or vague situations where the intended meaning is unclear. For example, saying "life is about setting a course" lacks specific direction. Instead, provide a more concrete context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting a course" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the action of establishing a direction or plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from political strategies to personal journeys.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "setting a course" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that signifies establishing a plan or direction. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for various contexts. Its usage spans from news reports and formal business documents to more general discussions. While it appears most often in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Related phrases include ""establishing a direction"" and ""charting a path"". When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what is setting the course. Avoid overly abstract uses to maintain a focused and understandable message. Overall, the phrase is a versatile and reliable option for indicating the initiation of a plan or strategy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establishing a direction

Focuses on the act of defining a specific path or way forward.

charting a path

Emphasizes the process of mapping out a route, often with exploration or discovery in mind.

defining a strategy

Highlights the development of a plan to achieve a specific goal or objective.

laying out a plan

Stresses the detailed and structured arrangement of a set of actions.

forging a route

Conveys the idea of creating a new or unconventional way forward, often overcoming obstacles.

determining a trajectory

Focuses on the future path or direction, often in a more technical or predictive sense.

taking the helm

Implies assuming leadership and control to guide a process or organization.

mapping out a strategy

Similar to defining a strategy, but with more emphasis on the visual representation or detailed planning.

plotting a journey

Suggests a planned undertaking with a specific destination or goal in mind.

designing an approach

Emphasizes the deliberate and methodical creation of a method to address a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "setting a course" in a sentence?

You can use "setting a course" to describe establishing a direction or plan. For instance, "The government is "setting a course" for economic recovery" or "The team is "setting a course" to achieve its goals".

What are some alternatives to "setting a course"?

Alternatives include "establishing a direction", "charting a path", or "defining a strategy", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "setting a course" or "set a course"?

"Setting a course" is a gerund phrase often used as part of a larger sentence, while "set a course" is an imperative or past tense verb phrase. The choice depends on the sentence structure and intended meaning. For example, "The captain will set a course" versus "The captain is "setting a course"".

What's the difference between "setting a course" and "staying the course"?

"Setting a course" means establishing a plan or direction, while "staying the course" means continuing to follow that plan despite difficulties. They represent opposite stages of a process: initiation versus perseverance.