staying on course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "staying on course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing maintaining a particular direction or focus, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "Despite the challenges we faced, we remained committed to staying on course with our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Staying on course requires discipline, awareness, and humility.

Harvard Business Review

The rate of innovation is speeding up, and staying on course is getting harder.

The New York Times

And it came on a day when racers had a hard enough time staying on course at the track.

The New York Times

"Staying on course" makes the point that "it's hard to weather a slowdown without a sound budget to steer by".

The Economist

In the interest of staying on course, I enlisted my wife as navigator in chief, and on a partly sunny, partly foggy, altogether typical San Francisco morning, we set off.

The New York Times

Wenger, though, maintains his side have the quality needed to come good in the end as they look to secure a first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup by staying on course for Wembley with victory against Wigan at Emirates Stadium tomorrow.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Everything we've been trained to do as business leaders is about staying on course--even when headed straight for disaster.

Forbes

If not, use the yoke to make one (or a series of) very shallow turn(s) to stay on course.

WikiHow

We stay on course to prosperity".

Independent

To stay on course: I graduated from college in 1991.

The New York Times - Magazine

He decided that the Hunter should stay on course.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "staying on course" when you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining a consistent direction or plan, especially in the face of challenges or distractions.

Common error

Don't use "staying on course" when you simply mean making minor adjustments. This phrase implies a larger commitment to a pre-determined direction, not just tweaking something slightly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "staying on course" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often used as a subject complement or within a prepositional phrase. Ludwig suggests it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "staying on course" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies maintaining a consistent direction or plan despite obstacles. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. With a neutral to professional register, it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business settings. Alternatives like "remaining on track" and "keeping on target" offer similar meanings, while it's crucial to avoid using the phrase for mere minor adjustments. Understanding its scope and appropriate usage ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining on track

Emphasizes progress and adherence to a planned route or schedule.

keeping on target

Highlights achieving specific goals or objectives within a set timeframe.

adhering to the plan

Focuses on strict compliance and following established procedures.

maintaining direction

Stresses consistency and avoiding deviation from a chosen path.

sticking to the agenda

Implies a commitment to following a pre-determined set of topics or activities.

persisting with the strategy

Highlights continued effort and dedication to a specific approach.

holding steady

Suggests maintaining a stable position or approach despite challenges.

staying focused

Emphasizes maintaining mental concentration and avoiding distractions.

keeping the faith

Highlights maintaining hope and belief in a positive outcome.

not deviating

Underlines the importance of remaining consistent in action or thought and avoiding variations from a set path.

FAQs

What does "staying on course" mean?

"Staying on course" means maintaining a specific direction, plan, or strategy despite challenges or distractions. It emphasizes consistency and adherence to a pre-determined path.

How can I use "staying on course" in a sentence?

You can use "staying on course" in sentences like, "The company is committed to staying on course with its long-term goals," or "Despite the setbacks, we are staying on course to finish the project on time."

What can I say instead of "staying on course"?

You can use alternatives like "remaining on track", "keeping on target", or "adhering to the plan" depending on the context.

Is "staying on course" formal or informal?

"Staying on course" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently used in business, news, and general conversation.