the very course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very course" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is definite and precise, such as "the very course I wish to pursue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Oklahoma!" was the production that altered the very course of a much-loved, still-young form of entertainment, or so squinting hindsight informs us.

The New York Times

Critically, we need to understand that far from being drudges, mothers are, in fact, creating the very course of our species' future.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It struck me that the very course of history could have been changed had Bill Clinton seen "Parsifal" early in his first term.

The New Yorker

Like the very title of the film, Porumboiu's drama captures the vast implications that a part of speech holds for the very course of a person's life.

The New Yorker

"The principles of an illiberal age," he wrote, "indicated the very course which must have been pursued by worldly policy and enlightened wisdom".

The New York Times - Books

But when the plane regained some speed — as when the pilot at the controls briefly pushed the nose down — the alarm sounded again, possibly discouraging the very course of action that might have saved it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

These brilliant practitioners are products of the very courses being held up as contributing to social work being a low-status profession.

The Guardian

In California alone, we have a backlog of over 500,000 students waiting for English 1 or Algebra 1, the very courses necessary for them to move forward with their education.

Huffington Post

Thus, for the very early course of myocarditis, a contrast-enhanced T1-approach may not be a useful tool.

Clinical Research in Cardiology

There are limitations to the existing data, not the least of which is to short-term results relative to the very long course of lupus nephritis.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

The very short course and self-resolution of myositis in our patient supports the hypothesis that the underlying mechanism is much more benign and self-limited.

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very course" to emphasize that you are referring to a specific and particular course of action, study, or direction. This phrase adds a layer of precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "very" generally, as it can weaken your writing. While "the very course" is a legitimate phrase, ensure it's used deliberately for emphasis, not as a filler word. Consider if a stronger adjective or a more descriptive noun would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very course" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, emphasizing the specificity and particularity of the noun it precedes. Ludwig AI indicates this is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very course" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a specific path, direction, or series of events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for adding precision to writing across various contexts. While primarily found in news and media sources, its formal tone makes it useful in academic and professional settings as well. Remember to use it deliberately to highlight the specificity of the subject you are describing, avoiding overuse for mere emphasis. Consider alternatives like "the exact path" or "the specific route" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the exact path

Focuses on the precision and specificity of the route or direction taken.

the specific route

Highlights a particular, well-defined way or trajectory.

the precise direction

Emphasizes accuracy and clarity in the intended way forward.

the actual process

Shifts the focus to the reality and mechanics of how something unfolds.

the established procedure

Indicates a formal or customary method to be followed.

the set plan

Highlights that a course of action has been decided and organized in advance.

the intended trajectory

Focuses on the projected path or development of something.

the genuine method

Emphasizes the authenticity and validity of the approach.

the particular approach

Highlights the selected and distinctive way of dealing with something.

the detailed methodology

Emphasizes the thoroughly explained methods used.

FAQs

How can I use "the very course" in a sentence?

You can use "the very course" to emphasize a specific path or direction, as in "That decision altered "the very course" of his career".

What does "the very course" mean?

"The very course" refers to a specific and particular path, direction, or series of events. It emphasizes that this particular path is the one being referred to.

Are there synonyms for "the very course"?

Yes, alternatives include "the exact path", "the specific route", or "the precise direction", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the very course of action"?

Yes, "the very course of action" is a correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize a particular plan or strategy.