shaped the course of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shaped the course of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe how something has influenced or determined the direction of events or developments over time. Example: "The invention of the internet has shaped the course of modern communication and information sharing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

His rationalist doctrine shaped the course of modern philosophy and became part of the cultural bedrock.

The New York Times - Books

All the same, his family, like no other, has shaped the course of the republic.

The Economist

He was 10 when the second world war broke out, and that shaped the course of his life.

The Guardian

More important, Herken illuminates the impact of politics on science, showing how strategic considerations and bureaucratic infighting shaped the course of atomic research.

The New Yorker

A failure at its conception, it has shaped the course of human history at two of its most significant turning points.

The Economist

In Search of Fatima was a beautifully written and moving narrative of her displacement from Jerusalem in 1948 set against the backdrop of the major political events that shaped the course of modern Palestinian history.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Religion shapes the course of lives and nations, after all.

The Guardian - Opinion

As president of the Carnegie Corporation from 1955 to 1965, he helped shape the course of American education.

The New York Times

How these two men get along will help shape the course of trans-Atlantic ties.

The New York Times

He had his own ambitions for shaping the course of American photography.

The New York Times - Arts

In the process she helped shape the course of American art through the second half of the 20th century into the present.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shaped the course of", ensure the subject clearly identifies the influencing entity and the object specifies the area or domain affected. For example: "His leadership shaped the course of the company's future."

Common error

Avoid using "shaped the course of" when the subject had minimal or no actual influence. Overstating impact can weaken your argument and undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shaped the course of" functions as a verb phrase that typically modifies a noun, indicating the subject's significant influence on the development or direction of something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shaped the course of" is a versatile expression used to highlight significant influence on the direction or development of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, from news and media to scientific and formal writing. While alternatives like "influenced the direction of" or "determined the trajectory of" exist, "shaped the course of" suggests a more formative and ongoing impact. When using the phrase, ensure that the subject's influence is clearly attributable and significant to maintain credibility and avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Influenced the direction of

Replaces "shaped" with "influenced" and "course" with "direction", softening the impact slightly.

Molded the development of

Replaces "shaped" with "molded" and "course" with "development", implying a gradual process of formation.

Determined the trajectory of

Uses more formal language, replacing "shaped" with "determined" and "course" with "trajectory", suggesting a more fixed path.

Guided the evolution of

Emphasizes a more organic and unfolding process, suitable for contexts involving growth or change over time.

Impacted the progress of

Highlights the effect on advancement or forward movement, suitable for scenarios involving improvement or milestones.

Directed the flow of

Focuses on the movement or progression of events, suggesting a steering or channeling effect.

Governed the unfolding of

Suggests a controlling or ruling influence over how events play out.

Left its mark on the history of

Implies a lasting and significant impact, particularly suitable for historical contexts.

Played a role in determining

Highlights the contribution, but in a less determinant way than 'shaped'.

Had a hand in guiding

Suggests a collaborative involvement and not so deterministic outcome

FAQs

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

Use "shaped the course of" to describe how a person, event, or idea significantly influenced the direction or development of something. For instance, "The industrial revolution shaped the course of modern society."

What can I say instead of "shaped the course of"?

You can use alternatives like "influenced the direction of", "determined the trajectory of", or "molded the development of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "shaped the course of" or "influenced the course of"?

Both "shaped the course of" and "influenced the course of" are correct. "Shaped" suggests a more forceful or definitive impact, while "influenced" indicates a more subtle or partial effect.

What's the difference between "shaped the course of" and "changed the course of"?

"Shaped the course of" implies a gradual and ongoing influence, while "changed the course of" suggests a more abrupt or decisive alteration. For instance, a long-term policy could shape the course of economic development, whereas a sudden crisis might change it.