slightly off course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly off course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is not exactly on the intended path or direction, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "The project has gone slightly off course due to unforeseen circumstances, but we are working to get it back on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

First reports indicated the probe was slightly off course, however.

The New York Times

Whenever it seemed she might veer slightly off course, Bartoli produced an ace.

The Guardian - Sport

Then the wind picked up and the gusts, which reached 40 miles per hour, blew Thompson slightly off course.

The New York Times - Sports

Veering slightly off course, each atom bumps into other atoms and clings or entwines with them for a while; later, their swerve carries them away again.

The New York Times

"The children of tomorrow will have no understanding of the English language," he quipped, veering only slightly off course from Apple's upbeat corporate spiel.

The Guardian - Tech

He came within three inches of holing a 12-foot birdie putt at the par-4 sixth before his round was blown slightly off course by a swirling wind.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Similarly, a large number of the measurements in the data set occur over the sea or at locations which are far from the testline where the plane may have been blown slightly off-course.

Mathematics-in-Industry Case Studies

"My sense is that looking back, it knocked him off course slightly.

The Guardian

Turns out the autopilot was drifting off course slightly, and the pilots didn't really notice.

TechCrunch

"He was just slightly off, but on a golf course like this, it doesn't take much," Woods said.

The New York Times - Sports

Slightly off".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly off course", ensure the context clearly indicates what the intended 'course' is. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly off course" when a more significant deviation is intended. Overusing 'slightly' can undermine the true extent of the issue. Consider stronger alternatives if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly off course" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, often describing the manner in which something deviates from its intended path. As seen in Ludwig, it indicates a minor degree of deviation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly off course" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a minor deviation from an intended path or plan. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, indicating its versatility across various registers. It's important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring the context clearly defines the 'course' and that the deviation is indeed slight. Alternatives such as "a bit astray" or "somewhat misdirected" can be used to vary the language while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit astray

Indicates a small deviation, similar to "slightly off course", but with a more informal tone.

somewhat misdirected

Implies a degree of incorrect guidance, akin to being "slightly off course", but focuses on the cause of the deviation.

a little wayward

Suggests a deviation from a planned route or behavior, similar to "slightly off course" but often applies to people or actions.

marginally misaligned

Conveys a slight discrepancy in alignment, similar to a metaphorical "slightly off course", often used in technical contexts.

somewhat askew

Indicates a minor skewing or tilting, similar to "slightly off course" in describing a plan or direction.

a hair off-target

Suggests a very small error in aim or direction, much like being "slightly off course".

not quite on track

Indicates a state of not fully adhering to the intended path, which is similar to the meaning of "slightly off course".

deviating slightly

Emphasizes the action of moving away from the intended path, similar to "slightly off course" but more focused on the process.

a shade miscalculated

Implies a small error in planning or prediction, akin to being "slightly off course" due to a misjudgment.

a tad off-kilter

Suggests something is slightly unbalanced or out of order, similar to a metaphorical "slightly off course".

FAQs

How can I use "slightly off course" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly off course" to describe something that has deviated a little from its intended path or plan. For example, "The project went "slightly off course" due to unexpected delays, but we are working to get it back on track".

What are some alternatives to saying "slightly off course"?

Some alternatives to "slightly off course" include "a bit astray", "somewhat misdirected", or "not quite on track". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "slightly off course" in formal writing?

Yes, "slightly off course" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly when describing minor deviations from a plan or objective. However, ensure that it fits the overall tone and style of your writing.

What's the difference between "slightly off course" and "significantly off course"?

"Slightly off course" indicates a minor deviation, while "significantly off course" implies a more substantial departure from the intended path. The choice between the two depends on the degree of deviation you want to emphasize. Consider which phrase accurately reflects the situation.