stays the course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stays the course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something that remains committed to a particular path or goal despite challenges or difficulties. Example: "Even when faced with setbacks, she stays the course and continues to work towards her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Yet Moore stays the course.

The New York Times - Books

Yet the government stays the course toward deeper austerity.

The New York Times

At night, Bon Chon stays the course: same food, though most dishes cost $2 more.

The New York Times - Food

The country may avoid a debt crisis if it stays the course.

The New York Times

She stays the course with her Groovy Girl and Sweet Angel tops.

The New York Times

Him? He's a solid citizen, a happy camper, and he stays the course with her, rides all the crazy changes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

More and more Americans don't want to stay-the-course on stay-the-course.

The New York Times

Stay the course, son.

The New York Times - Sports

We stayed the course".

The New York Times - Sports

Mature teams stay the course".

The New York Times

Stay the course, for sure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stays the course" when you want to emphasize a determined continuation despite difficulties. It's appropriate for describing individuals, organizations, or even abstract concepts maintaining their direction.

Common error

Avoid using "stays the course" in extremely formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be expected. Consider alternatives like "remains steadfast" or "persists" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stays the course" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe the action of continuing with a plan or activity despite facing challenges. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its versatility in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stays the course" is a common idiom that signifies perseverance and commitment to a plan or goal despite facing difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to consider the formality of the context, opting for synonyms like "remains steadfast" in more formal settings. When communicating determination in the face of adversity, "stays the course" serves as a reliable and easily understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains committed

Highlights dedication; can apply to people or projects.

remains steadfast

Emphasizes unwavering commitment; slightly more formal.

maintains direction

Focuses on consistently following a chosen route or strategy.

persists

Focuses on continuing despite difficulty; can imply a longer duration.

perseveres

Highlights overcoming obstacles; slightly more emphatic.

sticks to the plan

Emphasizes adherence to a pre-determined strategy; less about general resilience.

holds firm

Conveys resistance to change or pressure; often used in defensive contexts.

keeps going

Simple and direct; lacks the nuance of commitment to a specific goal.

sees it through

Emphasizes completing a task to the end; less about the journey itself.

doesn't give up

Focuses on avoiding failure rather than active pursuit; less proactive.

FAQs

What does it mean to "stay the course"?

To "stay the course" means to continue pursuing a goal or plan despite facing difficulties, obstacles, or setbacks. It emphasizes perseverance and commitment.

What are some alternatives to saying "stays the course"?

You can use alternatives like "remains steadfast", "persists", or "perseveres" depending on the context. These phrases convey a similar meaning of continuing despite challenges.

Is "stays the course" appropriate for formal writing?

While "stays the course" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for general or news-oriented contexts. In very formal writing, consider alternatives such as "remains committed" or "maintains direction".

How can I use "stays the course" in a sentence?

You can use "stays the course" to describe someone or something that continues on a particular path despite difficulties. For example, "The company "stays the course" with its innovative strategy, even though it faces strong competition."