takes its course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes its course" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is proceeding in a natural or expected manner, often without interference. Example: "Despite the challenges, the project takes its course, and we trust the process will yield positive results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This hunt is an administrative agenda, and as it takes its course, it wrongs MIT students as a community, as groups of people, and as individuals.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Hydrophilic oxidized Si-ncs tend to agglomerate due to their physical properties, such as zeta potential, but it is relatively a long process, it takes its course in the time interval of several weeks.

Nanoscale Research Letters

"They could say, 'Let's see how it now takes its course in the courts.'".

Huffington Post

"The best way to handle [an undermined bluff] is to keep people away from it, so that when nature takes its course no one is affected," she said.

Los Angeles Times

It is now right that justice takes its course.

The Guardian

Art may both alter and grow out of a life over the decades, the way a river, over aeons, hollows and takes its course from the rock through which it flows.

The New Yorker

Calamity takes its course.

The Economist

Nature takes its course".

The New York Times - Style

Cruel fate takes its course.

The Guardian - Film

"Heart-wrenching, but law takes its course.

The Guardian

As for Fire Island, let nature takes its course.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "takes its course" when you want to convey a sense of inevitability or natural progression, especially in situations where intervention is either unnecessary or undesirable.

Common error

Avoid using "takes its course" when you actually intend to describe active intervention or control. This phrase implies a lack of direct manipulation, so make sure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes its course" functions as a verbal phrase within a clause, often acting as the predicate. It describes the unfolding of an event or process without intervention, suggesting a passive or hands-off approach. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "takes its course" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the natural progression of events without interference. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. It's particularly common in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, consider the implications of passivity and ensure that it aligns with your intended meaning. Be aware of the semantic difference between "takes its course" and other similar phrases like "takes its toll". The phrase is suitable for most situations but consider more formal alternatives such as "follows its natural progression" or "runs its natural course" in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

runs its natural course

Emphasizes the natural and expected progression of an event or process.

plays out naturally

Highlights the spontaneous and unforced development of a situation.

unfolds as expected

Focuses on the predictability and anticipated outcome of a sequence of events.

progresses without interference

Stresses the absence of obstruction or intervention in a process.

follows its natural progression

Similar to "runs its natural course", but with a slightly more formal tone.

proceeds unimpeded

Indicates that something advances without being hindered or blocked.

develops organically

Emphasizes the natural and gradual evolution of something.

is allowed to happen

Highlights the permission or lack of obstruction in allowing something to occur.

is left to unfold

Focuses on the act of relinquishing control and letting events transpire.

goes through its process

Highlights that a particular procedure is being followed.

FAQs

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

You can use "takes its course" to indicate that a process or event is unfolding naturally and without interference. For example, "We must allow the investigation to "take its course"".

What's a more formal alternative to "takes its course"?

A more formal alternative could be "follows its natural progression" or "proceeds unimpeded". These options maintain a similar meaning while lending a more sophisticated tone to your writing. You could also consider "runs its natural course".

Is it correct to say "take its course" instead of "takes its course"?

No, the correct form is "takes its course" when referring to a singular subject. "Take its course" would only be appropriate in a different grammatical context, such as an imperative statement directed at a plural subject (although this usage is uncommon).

What is the difference between "takes its course" and "takes its toll"?

While both phrases involve the word "takes", they have distinct meanings. "Takes its course" implies a natural progression, whereas "takes its toll" refers to a damaging or negative effect. The phrase "takes its toll" means something has suffered damage as a result of something else.