steering a plane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steering a plane" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of controlling or guiding an aircraft during flight. Example: "The pilot was expertly steering the plane through turbulent weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Steering a plane directly into and through deadly hurricanes would appear to be at odds with that maxim.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He suggested that navigating well-designed vehicles in the physical world — like the company's inventory of remote-controlled helicopters, planes and helium blimps — is vastly more compelling than steering a virtual vehicle in a computer-generated universe.

The New York Times

Steering a pallet jack requires some finesse.

The New York Times

Steering Medi-Cal is like steering an oil tanker.

Los Angeles Times

But the accounts of law enforcement officials indicate that in the days before the Sept. 11 attack, analysts at both the F.B.I. and the C.I.A. were advised of the suspicious activities of an immigrant linked to Muslim extremism who wanted to fly a large commercial jetliner, but whose interest seemed limited only to steering the plane in flight.

The New York Times

Doing their job, sacrificing themselves, gamely steering the plane in the right direction even after it's been partially incapacitated by a Soviet missile.

The New Yorker

The evening was hot, Wenger's white shirt clung to his lean frame, but his relief at steering the plane was palpable.

The New York Times - Sports

He was still handling the hard stuff, working his set of rudder pedals in the back, but up front I was the one steering the plane.

The New York Times

Cockpit records later suggested that the young co-pilot knew the plane was off course, but said nothing because he was unwilling to contradict the captain, who was steering the plane.

Huffington Post

It's unknown whether the pilot passed his emergency proficiency test, but he appears to have performed heroically during the crash, steering the plane away from the elevated highway before slamming into the river.

Vice

I know I'm more likely to be killed behind the steering wheel of my car than in a plane or a ship.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the technical aspects of flight, use "piloting" or "navigating" for a more professional tone. Reserve "steering" for general contexts or analogies.

Common error

While "steering" is understandable, it can sound simplistic in technical descriptions. In formal aviation writing, opt for terms like "piloting", "navigating", or "controlling" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steering a plane" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun. It describes the act of controlling and directing an aircraft. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steering a plane" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the act of controlling or guiding an aircraft. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While it appears across different contexts, it's most prevalent in news and media. For technical contexts, alternatives like "piloting" or "navigating" might be more appropriate. The expert rating of 4.5 reflects its correctness, authoritative sources, and consistent usage. Consider context and audience when choosing between "steering a plane" and its more formal alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

piloting an aircraft

This alternative uses a more formal term, "piloting", to denote the act of controlling an aircraft.

controlling a plane

This option replaces "steering" with "controlling", offering a broader term for managing the aircraft's movements.

flying an airplane

This alternative focuses on the act of "flying" the airplane, emphasizing the overall operation of the aircraft.

navigating a plane

This alternative emphasizes the navigational aspect of guiding the plane.

directing an aircraft

Similar to "controlling", "directing" offers a slightly more formal tone in describing the guidance of the aircraft.

guiding an airplane

This emphasizes the action of guiding the airplane.

handling the aircraft

This focuses on the act of managing and operating the plane.

operating the plane

This refers to the general operation of the plane.

maneuvering the aircraft

This alternative highlights the specific actions taken to change the plane's direction or position.

commanding an aircraft

This option uses "commanding" to convey a sense of authority and control over the aircraft.

FAQs

What does "steering a plane" mean?

The phrase "steering a plane" refers to the act of controlling the direction and movement of an aircraft, typically by adjusting its control surfaces.

What are some alternatives to "steering a plane"?

Alternatives include "piloting an aircraft", "controlling a plane", or "navigating a plane", depending on the context.

Is "steering a plane" grammatically correct?

Yes, "steering a plane" is grammatically correct and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

When is it appropriate to use "steering a plane" versus "piloting a plane"?

"Steering a plane" is suitable for general discussions, while "piloting a plane" is more appropriate for technical or professional contexts related to aviation.