steering the ship

USAGE SUMMARY

"steering the ship" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone who is taking charge and guiding a group of people, or an organization, in a particular direction. For example: "As the new CEO, she is steering the ship towards a more profitable future for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The metaphor, he noted, is an old one — "steering the ship of state".

The New Yorker

In the end, there may not be anyone steering the ship.

Columbia University

The career path could not have been better laid out for steering the ship at Blass.

The New York Times

The helmsman was blamed for steering the ship in the wrong direction after Captain Schettino ordered a corrective maneuver.

The New York Times

"They are trying to change the world, and they can't do it when there's no one steering the ship".

The New York Times

What would French film culture look like without its queen, Catherine Deneuve, steering the ship of state?

The New York Times

They were too young to absorb much information, but they loved steering the ship with their dad.

The New York Times

The first 90-degree turn was made by an inexperienced third mate who was steering the ship, even though the area is known for its strong, unpredictable currents.

The Economist

Two nights ago, the captain, Mark Landow, was up much of the night, steering the ship by radar, avoiding the large drifting floes that dotted the sea surface.

The New York Times

I hope you had a great week, and once again, many thanks to Tom Gaffney for doing a wonderful job steering the ship while I was away.

The New York Times

Captain Schettino said the company ordered him to make the detour, and has insisted that he saved lives by steering the ship close to port after the accident.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the metaphor, ensure that the 'ship' represents the entity being guided, such as a company, project, or political movement.

Common error

Avoid using "steering the ship" literally when discussing actual ships. The phrase is most effective as a metaphor for leadership and management.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steering the ship" functions as a verb phrase, often used metaphorically to describe the act of directing or managing an organization, project, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies taking control and guiding towards a specific goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "steering the ship" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe leadership and direction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a verb phrase, often employed metaphorically across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, its metaphorical nature requires careful consideration of the specific audience and situation. Remember to use it to convey leadership and direction, and avoid literal interpretations in non-nautical contexts. Alternatives such as "leading the way" or "taking the helm" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking the helm

Emphasizes assuming control or a leadership position, often in a formal setting.

running the show

Implies overall management and control of an operation or event.

leading the way

Focuses on pioneering and setting a direction for others to follow, rather than direct control.

calling the shots

Suggests having the authority to make key decisions and give orders.

in charge of

A more general term for having responsibility and authority over something.

at the forefront

Highlights being in a leading or prominent position, especially in innovation or progress.

overseeing operations

Focuses on supervising and directing the activities of an organization or system.

guiding the process

Focuses on directing a series of actions or steps towards a specific outcome.

controlling the situation

Highlights maintaining order and preventing chaos in a particular context.

managing the team

Specific to leading a group of people towards a common goal.

FAQs

How can I use "steering the ship" in a sentence?

You can use "steering the ship" to describe someone who is leading an organization or project, such as, "As the new CEO, she is "steering the ship" towards a more sustainable business model".

What does it mean to say someone is "steering the ship"?

Saying someone is "steering the ship" means they are in a leadership position and are guiding the direction and progress of a company, project, or organization. It implies responsibility and control over the overall course of action.

What are some alternatives to "steering the ship"?

Alternatives include "leading the way", "taking the helm", or "running the show", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "steering the ship" a formal or informal expression?

"Steering the ship" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, its effectiveness depends on the audience and the specific situation. More formal alternatives might be preferred in certain business settings.