setting course for

USAGE SUMMARY

"setting course for" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to establish a direction or plan for something. Example: The captain announced that they would be setting course for the Bahamas, much to the excitement of the passengers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

With an all-up weight of just 44,000 pounds, a 70-foot beam, and twin, unstayed wing masts, the Adrian Thompson design is one of a handful of unlimited nautical projectiles setting course for The Race.

The New York Times - Sports

Most Americans were probably cheerfully unaware, over the past 16 days, that seven men and women were circling the planet, conducting scientific experiments and then yesterday setting course for home.

The New York Times

Setting course for an ancient mosque further up the slope, they would veer quickly off past the singer's grave, though few dared to pause long by its rubble.Five months ago, a group of fans rebuilt the tomb, a small concrete dome on six spidery legs.

The Economist

Also in April, North Carolina destroyed defensive installations on Ponape before setting course for Pearl Harbor for repairs to a damaged rudder.

Wikipedia

They did this successfully on the morning of 17 November and then turned west to hunt for Turkish shipping along the Anatolian coast before setting course for Sevastopol later that afternoon.

Wikipedia

They did this successfully on the morning of 17 November and they turned west to hunt for Turkish shipping along the Anatolian coast before setting course for Sevastopol later that afternoon.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

started the engine and set course for Graz.

The New Yorker

The ship stopped at Hamburg and picked up the bear, and set course for Spitzbergen.

The New Yorker

I set course for Ferrum, then Floyd – both major Crooked Road venues – and hit the Parkway for the hour-or-so drive.

The Guardian - Travel

Strand sets course for San Diego, to look for refuge at the military base there, and though there's some skepticism, nobody comes up with an alternative.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The cruise ship skipped its next call, in Mexico, and set course for its home port, Galveston in Texas, where a helicopter picked up a blood sample.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "setting course for" when you want to emphasize the deliberate act of choosing a direction or goal. This phrase conveys a sense of purpose and intentionality.

Common error

Avoid using "setting course for" in contexts where the metaphor of navigation doesn't fit. For example, it would sound odd to say "The company set course for higher profits" if the context doesn't involve strategic planning or a journey-like process.

Linguistic Context

"Setting course for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the beginning of a journey or the intentional pursuit of a specific destination or objective. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

43%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "setting course for" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for indicating the commencement of a journey or the pursuit of a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While primarily found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it's applicable across various registers, from neutral to formal. When employing this phrase, consider the deliberate and intentional nature it conveys, and ensure the navigational metaphor aligns with the broader context. Related phrases offer variations on this theme, emphasizing direction, intention, or progress, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heading towards

Focuses on the direction of travel, without necessarily implying a planned route.

making for

Indicates a movement towards a place, often with determination.

aiming for

Suggests a goal or target, implying intention.

targeting

Similar to "aiming for", but can also refer to a more specific objective.

orienting towards

Implies a deliberate adjustment of direction or focus.

directing efforts to

Focuses on the application of resources or energy towards a specific purpose.

charting a path to

Implies planning and preparation for reaching a destination.

on the road to

Expresses progress towards a final destination or goal.

making headway toward

Implies progress being made despite potential obstacles.

progressing toward

Highlights the ongoing movement and advancement towards a specific target.

FAQs

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

This phrase is typically used to describe the act of beginning a journey or pursuing a goal, as in "The ship is setting course for the Caribbean" or "The company is "setting course for" a new market".

What are some alternatives to "setting course for"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives such as "heading towards", "aiming for", or "making for" /s/.

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

Yes, "setting course for" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing strategic decisions or planned movements. However, be mindful of the metaphorical context and ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "setting course for" and "headed to"?

"Setting course for" implies a more deliberate and planned action, often involving navigation or strategic planning. "Headed to" ("headed to") is more general and simply indicates a direction of travel without necessarily implying a specific plan.