shape the course of events

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'shape the course of events' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the influence someone or something has on the way in which events unfold. For example: "The government's decision to launch a new policy to combat the crisis shaped the course of events over the following weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

As U.S. president, Mr. Obama naturally has the upper hand and resources to shape the course of events.

The New York Times

Publicly, at least, she projects a brassy self-confidence about the ability of the United States to shape the course of events in faraway places without suffering adverse consequences.

The New Yorker

In Norinaga's retelling, two deities, Naobi and Magatsuhi (both of whom play relatively small roles within the original Kojiki) are identified as the divine agents that shape the course of events in the "Divine Age" but also in the social world of the present.

SEP

This often results in a more vivid or memorable dream, and sometimes, but not always, allows the dreamer to shape the course of events to some extent.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He is a member of what might be called the prices-in-the-provinces school of academic history, a practice that emphasizes events outside the capital and makes much of weekly economic fluctuations; what was spent for bread in Lyons, not what was said over coffee in Paris, shaped the course of events.

The New Yorker

Here is a guide to the key players shaping the course of events.

BBC

This confusion produces the illusion that the result of an actual properly conducted calculation is the inevitable outcome of the mathematical determining, as though the formula's meaning itself were shaping the course of events.

SEP

The course of events will be shaped, above all, by the President himself.

The New Yorker

We have still to find out how far his writing may shape the course of future events.

The Guardian - Opinion

After nearly six years, Power still believes that America retains the capacity for brute or moral force to shape the course of global events — to bend the curve — but Obama, by his own account, does not.

The New Yorker

A brief threat, in the shape of the German Type XXI submarine emerged, but was too late to alter the course of events.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "shape the course of events" when you want to emphasize the power to influence or direct the way things happen, especially in significant or impactful situations.

Common error

Avoid using "shape the course of events" when the influence is minimal or indirect. Use weaker verbs like "affect" or "influence" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shape the course of events" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of influencing or determining how events unfold. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate a significant impact on the trajectory of happenings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shape the course of events" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the act of influencing or determining how events unfold. As Ludwig AI highlights, it suggests a significant impact on the trajectory of happenings. This phrase is most commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, and its register is generally neutral to professional. While it's not an extremely common phrase, it's well-understood and can be a powerful way to emphasize the ability to direct outcomes. Remember to use it when the influence is significant and direct, and consider alternatives like "influence the flow of events" or "determine the direction of events" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influence the flow of events

Focuses on influencing the 'flow', suggesting a more passive role compared to actively 'shaping'.

determine the direction of events

Highlights the power to 'determine', implying a stronger control over the outcome.

mold the unfolding of events

Emphasizes 'molding', which suggests a more hands-on and transformative influence.

guide the progression of events

Implies a guiding role, steering events along a certain path without necessarily altering their fundamental nature.

affect the trajectory of events

Uses 'trajectory' to suggest a course or path, implying influence on the direction events take.

impact the development of events

Focuses on 'development', suggesting influence over how events grow or evolve.

orchestrate the sequence of events

Implies a deliberate and skillful arrangement of events, similar to conducting an orchestra.

steer the development of events

Highlights a 'steering' role, directing events towards a specific outcome.

channel the course of events

Suggests a directing influence, guiding events through a specific 'channel' or path.

have a hand in the way things unfold

More informal and general, suggesting involvement in how events play out.

FAQs

What does it mean to "shape the course of events"?

To "shape the course of events" means to influence or determine the way events develop or progress. It suggests a significant impact on the direction things take.

How can I use "shape the course of events" in a sentence?

You can use "shape the course of events" to describe actions that have a major impact on outcomes. For example, "The leader's decisions significantly shaped the course of events during the crisis."

What are some alternatives to "shape the course of events"?

You can use alternatives like "influence the flow of events", "determine the direction of events", or "affect the trajectory of events" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "shape the course of events" formal or informal?

"Shape the course of events" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. It's commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and professional reports.