take its course

USAGE SUMMARY

"take its course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is often used to refer to an event that is expected to proceed in its normal order of events without interference. Example: The illness will just have to take its course, but rest and plenty of fluids should help.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let it take its course and never rush it.

WikiHow

Nature will take its course; it will heal in time if one believes in God".

BMC Medical Ethics

The whole process has to just take its course, doesn't it?

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Nobody says "wing it" or "nature will take its course".

The New York Times

It can be kinder to let nature take its course.

Independent

Drop it and run, if in a hurry.Nature will take its course.

WikiHow

Nature would take its course.

Independent

"Let the free market take its course".

The New York Times

Their social nature will take its course.

The New York Times - Arts

Let natural selection take its course.

The Guardian

"Peace will take its course," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take its course" when you want to convey a sense of non-interference and acceptance of a natural process. For instance, when discussing an illness, using the phrase suggests allowing the body to heal naturally without unnecessary intervention.

Common error

Avoid using "take its course" when active intervention is necessary or expected. The phrase implies a hands-off approach, which may not be suitable for situations requiring immediate action or problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take its course" functions as an idiomatic expression, often serving as a verbal phrase within a sentence. It signifies allowing a process or event to proceed without interference. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to indicate non-intervention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "take its course" is a versatile expression that suggests allowing a process to unfold naturally without intervention. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings, with examples ranging from medical recovery to legal proceedings. While alternatives exist, such as "run its natural course" or "allow events to unfold", "take its course" remains a common and effective way to convey a hands-off approach. Understanding its nuances and appropriate usage ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run its natural course

Replaces "take" with "run" and emphasizes the natural progression.

proceed without intervention

Focuses on the lack of interference in the process.

let nature take its path

Specifically refers to nature and its inherent direction.

allow events to unfold

Highlights the unfolding of events in a passive manner.

permit the process to continue

A more formal way of saying to let something continue without stopping it.

let the chips fall where they may

Implies acceptance of the outcome, whatever it may be.

stand back and observe

Emphasizes observation rather than intervention.

wait and see what happens

Focuses on waiting for the outcome.

give it time to develop

Highlights the time needed for something to evolve.

refrain from interfering

Directly states the avoidance of interference.

FAQs

How can I use "take its course" in a sentence?

You can use "take its course" to indicate allowing a natural process to proceed without interference. For example, "We decided to let the legal process "take its course" and see what the outcome would be."

What are some alternatives to "take its course"?

Alternatives include "run its natural course", "allow events to unfold", or "permit the process to continue". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar meaning of non-intervention.

When is it appropriate to use "take its course"?

It's appropriate when referring to a situation where you choose not to interfere, letting events proceed naturally. This could apply to illnesses, legal proceedings, or even natural phenomena.

Is "take its course" formal or informal?

The phrase "take its course" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "permit the process to continue" might be preferred in highly formal settings.