stray off course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stray off course" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing someone who is going in a different and unexpected direction, especially when talking about taking a figurative detour in life. Example: After his tragic breakup, Tom strayed off course and found solace in drugs and alcohol.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Back on the path!' " (If only we all had someone to remind us so insistently when we stray off course).

The New York Times

If you stray off course, it's interrupted by a swishing sound, as if you'd wandered off into some foliage.

The Guardian - Arts

The midfielder was a key figure for the team that finished fourth in 2009-10 under their then manager, but had since seen his career stray off course – struggling to recapture lost form after an ill-fated season with Internazionale.

The Guardian - Sport

In its absence, it's too easy to stray off course and end up somewhere you hadn't intended.

Science Magazine

A Pentagon spokesman said Tuesday that Mr. Gates was also demanding greater oversight over the millions of dollars the Defense Department spent annually to carry out "information operations," to ensure that such missions did not "stray off course" into secret intelligence collection.

The New York Times

At greater speeds the friction from air deforms the projectile's aerodynamic profile, which can cause it to stray off course.There are uses beyond weapons.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Sales of new homes for single families fell in November without straying off course to make 2000 the second-best year on record, a government report showed today.

The New York Times

I glanced up at the sunlight streaming through the roof and could visualize an incoming warhead, a missile that perhaps had strayed off course and was heading toward us.

The New York Times

A 2,000-pound 2,000-pounduided bomb dropped from an Air Force B-52 strayed off course during an attack today in southern Afghanistan, and there were reports that scores of civilians had bomb killedroppedjured in that area, military ofromians sAir Force

The New York Times

A pilot following the steady tone knows he is flying directly toward the station or away from it; when he strays off course, he knows, by virtue of which letter he hears (A or N), which way to turn in order to get back on course.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Somehow, 33 aircraft strayed off course and approached an Allied convoy.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stray off course" when describing a situation where a person, object, or plan deviates from its intended path or direction. It can apply both literally (e.g., a vehicle) and figuratively (e.g., a career).

Common error

Avoid using "stray off course" when the deviation is a deliberate and planned choice. This phrase implies an accidental or unintended departure from the original direction. If the change is intentional, consider phrases like "diverge from the plan" or "take a different route".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stray off course" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe an action of deviating from a planned route or intention. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which identifies it as a correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stray off course" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe deviations from an intended path, whether literal or figurative. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. While primarily found in news, media, and academic sources, its neutral register makes it appropriate for a wide range of communications. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the deviation is unintentional, as planned departures require alternative phrasing. Remember that alternatives like "deviate from the path" or "go astray" can provide nuanced meaning, so be selective in your wording and use the alternative phrasing for the specific meaning you are intending to give.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviate from the path

Focuses on the action of deviating, emphasizing the departure from a set route or plan.

go astray

Implies a loss of direction or moral compass, often with negative connotations.

veer off track

Emphasizes a sudden or gradual change in direction, suggesting a loss of focus.

wander from the objective

Highlights a drift away from a specific goal or aim, indicating a lack of focus.

lose sight of the goal

Focuses on the loss of focus, emphasizing that the goal is not clear anymore.

diverge from the plan

Suggests an intentional or unintentional departure from a previously established plan.

get sidetracked

Highlights distraction and loss of momentum on the main objective.

drift away from the subject

Emphasizes a gradual and subtle departure from a central topic or theme.

go off on a tangent

Highlights that a conversation is going in a different and often unrelated direction.

stray from the point

Focuses on the departure from the main argument.

FAQs

How can I use "stray off course" in a sentence?

You can use "stray off course" to describe both literal and figurative deviations. For example, "The hiker strayed off course and got lost" (literal) or "The project strayed off course due to budget cuts" (figurative).

What can I say instead of "stray off course"?

You can use alternatives like "deviate from the path", "go astray", or "veer off track", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "stray off course" or "stray from course"?

"Stray off course" is more idiomatic and commonly used. "Stray from course" is grammatically correct but sounds less natural. Using "stray off course" is generally preferred.

What does it mean when something "strays off course"?

When something "strays off course", it deviates from its intended path or plan. This can refer to a physical route, a project's goals, a person's career, or even a line of thought. It often implies an unintentional or undesirable departure.