steer the course

USAGE SUMMARY

"steer the course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is guiding something in a specific direction. For example, "The captain steered the course of the ship through the stormy seas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The results could steer the course of American food policy.

The Washington Post

But we should never forget about the past to help us steer the course.

Harvard University

It is about how they have been used to make longbows, build warships and steer the course of history.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"If there were a strong political leader in place, this person might be able to steer the course and bridge the gap.

The New York Times

And it so happens that Ohio's laws offer managers more leeway to steer the course of a deal, including a buyout, than Delaware's laws do.

The New York Times

I felt my heart pound, terrified at the ease of my lies and their power to steer the course of others' lives.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

At Harvard University, Merton's experiences steered the course of his sociological pursuits.

Columbia University

That touching film's Academy Award-winning success also steered the course toward her solo debut, "Anar" (Anti-), a quietly lovely piano-pop achievement.

The New York Times - Arts

London failed to predict the second world war (who could?) which, of course, steered the course of history away from his vision into a world of espionage, economic warfare and nuclear paranoia.

The Guardian - Books

Drawing on recently released Chinese sources, she shows that it was Mao himself who steered the course toward rapprochement with Washington, overruling the hesitancies and objections of his subordinates.

The New York Times - Books

Exercise leaders became a kind of "exercise prompter" and steered the course of the event so that it was consistent with their planning.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of navigation when employing "steer the course". The phrase evokes images of careful guidance and adjustment in response to changing circumstances, making it suitable for situations requiring adaptability.

Common error

While "steer the course" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very informal conversations. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steer the course" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of guiding or directing something, often implying control and intentionality. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "steer the course" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe guiding or directing something toward a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and formal business communications. To ensure clarity and impact, use this phrase when emphasizing control and intentionality, but consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively use "steer the course" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guide the direction

Emphasizes providing guidance rather than control.

direct the path

Suggests a more controlled and deliberate guidance.

influence the outcome

Focuses on affecting the final result rather than the process.

manage the trajectory

More formal and technical, suitable for project management or strategic planning contexts.

take the reins

Implies assuming control and leadership to guide something.

shape the future

Focuses on long-term impact and influence.

control the narrative

Highlights the act of managing information and perspective.

chart the route

Emphasizes planning and mapping out a course of action.

be at the helm

Suggests being in a position of leadership and control.

call the shots

Implies making the important decisions and dictating the direction.

FAQs

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

You can use "steer the course" to describe guiding something toward a specific outcome, such as, "The new CEO was brought in to "steer the course" of the company toward profitability".

What's the difference between "guide the process" and "steer the course"?

"Guide the process" implies providing assistance and direction, while ""steer the course"" suggests a more active role in controlling and directing the overall outcome.

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

You can use alternatives like "guide the direction", "direct the path", or "influence the outcome" depending on the specific context.

Is "steer the course" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, ""steer the course"" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing strategic management or leadership roles.