the course is set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the course is set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a decision has been made or a direction has been established, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After much deliberation, the course is set for our new marketing strategy, and we are ready to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The course is set up perfect.

The New York Times - Sports

It's the way the course is set up.

The New York Times - Sports

While much debate has preceded these changes, the course is set.

MIT Technology Review

But the course is set, and it is not often diverted.

The Guardian - Opinion

The course is set, although the caveat of "subject to natural catastrophe" covers a multitude of contingencies.

The New York Times - Sports

"The course is set up for it, the pin placements aren't the hardest, and the weather's been perfect," Perez said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Even though there were some pins that were sketchy, the course was set up very well.

The New York Times

The course was set by the Norway speed coach Ulf Emilsson, though it did not help Aksel Lund Svindal much.

The New York Times - Sports

The course was set up extremely difficult, and the pin placements were in some particularly awkward positions.

The New York Times - Sports

So maybe the course was set by victories in Detroit and Chicago, clinched only after the defense turned away last-minute passes, as it did against the Cowboys on Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

Kelly, who improved his score by a dozen strokes with a 74, said the course was set up a little easier than in 2003.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the course is set" to indicate a firm decision or direction, often in strategic or project-oriented contexts. It conveys a sense of commitment and forward momentum.

Common error

Avoid using "the course is set" in very informal conversations. While versatile, the phrase carries a slightly formal tone and might sound out of place in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the course is set" functions as an idiomatic expression. It signifies that a particular plan, direction, or sequence of actions has been decided upon and is now in motion. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the course is set" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase that indicates a decision or direction has been firmly established. Although its frequency is relatively rare, it appears in various contexts such as News & Media, Academia and Science, with neutral register. Alternatives like "the die is cast" or "the decision is final" can be used to convey similar meanings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for expressing certainty about a plan or course of action, avoiding its use in very informal settings where it may sound out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the die is cast

Emphasizes that a decision has been made and cannot be altered, similar to a roll of the dice determining a result.

the decision is final

Highlights the irrevocability of the choice made, focusing on the conclusion of a decision-making process.

the path is chosen

Suggests a selection of a route or method has occurred, with focus on the direction forward.

the plan is in motion

Highlights the action of beginning a procedure or organized event.

the matter is settled

Highlights the closure on an issue and a state of finality.

the stage is set

Focuses on the preparation and readiness for something to begin, often used in a theatrical context.

the wheels are in motion

Indicates an action or plan has been initiated and is progressing.

the future is determined

Focuses on the result of the action which means the destiny has been fixed.

it's a done deal

Emphasizes the conclusion of an arrangement or bargain.

what's done is done

A more fatalistic expression, meaning the course of action has taken place and cannot be changed.

FAQs

How can I use "the course is set" in a sentence?

You can use "the course is set" to indicate that a decision has been made or a plan has been established. For example, "After careful consideration, "the course is set" for the company's expansion into new markets".

What are some alternatives to "the course is set"?

Alternatives include "the die is cast", "the decision is final", or "the path is chosen" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "the course is set" formal or informal?

"The course is set" leans towards a more formal register. It's suitable for professional, academic, or news contexts, but might sound slightly out of place in very casual conversation.

How does "the course is set" differ from "the stage is set"?

"The course is set" implies a predetermined direction or plan, while "the stage is set" suggests preparation and readiness for an event or performance to begin.