under the helm

USAGE SUMMARY

"under the helm" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone taking control or leading the way. For example, "After the leader stepped down, John took the helm and guided the group to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

("Terry and the Pirates" continued to run, but under the helm of a new cartoonist it just wasn't the same).

The New Yorker

Rodney Fox Expeditions is now a thriving venture, under the helm of his son Andrew after Rodney retired.

The Guardian - Travel

Didion is an ideal fit for the brand which under the helm of Phoebe Philo has become famous for its creations which are both effortless and timeless.

Independent

Seven years of President Bush's Don't-Talk-to-Evil policy are over, even under the helm of the administration that crafted it.

The New York Times

He founded his own civil engineering consulting firm, Luke LiCalzi P.E., P.C. Consulting Engineers, in Manhattan in 1970, which continues under the helm of his son Mark S. LiCalzi, P.E.

The New York Times

She took a series of jobs in branding, which she thought of, vaguely, as artistic experiments, including a position as an interactive designer at the fashion retailer Nasty Gal, then still under the helm of "Girlboss" Sophia Amoruso.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Under the Helms-Burton legislation, foreign companies investing in Cuba would face American lawsuits... Clinton and his advisers found powerful allies to oppose the bill, including the businessmen Dwayne Andreas and Donald Trump.... Describes the rumors around secret negotiations to openly recognize Cuba.

The New Yorker

Under the Helms-Burton legislation, foreign companies investing in Cuba would face American lawsuits... Clinton and his advisers found powerful allies to oppose the bill, including the businessmen Dwayne Andreas and Donald Trump.... Describes the rumors around secret negotiations to openly recognize Cuba..

The New Yorker

But aides to Mr. Fox said that in several hours of private talks, he broached serious political issues, including the fate of several Cuban political prisoners and his opposition to the United States trade sanctions against Cuba enacted under the Helms-Burton Acts in the 1990's.

The New York Times

Under the Helms Amendment, US statutory law prohibits the use United States Agency for International Development USAIDD) funds to pay for the performance of safe abortion services (Kaiser Family 2016).

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

In Washington and Miami, the discussion is incomplete if hardliners do not assume the cost of U.S. government abdicating its moral and legal responsibilities toward someone who worked for the USAID programs conceived under the Helms-Burton law.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under the helm" to suggest strong leadership or direction, particularly when referencing a significant change or transformation within an organization or project.

Common error

Avoid using "under the helm" in informal or casual situations. It's best suited for formal writing where a sense of authority and direction is needed. Using it too casually can sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the helm" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb, indicating the state or condition of something being managed or directed by a particular leader. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's frequently used to describe a period of leadership or control.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under the helm" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate leadership or control, often during a period of transition or transformation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly found in news and media, though adaptable for other formal contexts. When using the phrase, consider related alternatives such as "under the leadership of" or "led by" to adapt your writing to different registers. Remember to reserve "under the helm" for professional or formal writing to maintain a tone appropriate to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the leadership of

Replaces "helm" with "leadership", focusing on the act of leading.

under the direction of

Focuses on the act of direction and management.

led by

A shorter and more direct way of saying someone is guiding or directing.

guided by

Similar to "led by", but implies a more hands-off approach.

managed by

A more business-oriented way of saying someone is in control.

with [name] in charge

Replaces the metaphor with a direct statement of responsibility.

with [name] at the head

Uses "head" instead of "helm", indicating a position of authority.

overseen by

Implies a supervisory role rather than direct control.

with [name] steering the ship

Maintains the nautical metaphor but makes it more explicit.

with [name] at the reins

Uses the metaphor of "reins" to indicate control.

FAQs

How can I use "under the helm" in a sentence?

Use "under the helm" to indicate that a person or entity is in control or leading a particular project, company, or initiative. For instance, "The company prospered "under the helm" of the new CEO".

What's a good alternative to "under the helm"?

Alternatives include "under the leadership of", "led by", or "under the direction of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "under the helm" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "under the helm" leans towards formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "with [name] in charge" or "managed by".

What is the difference between "under the helm" and "under the leadership"?

"Under the helm" emphasizes the act of steering or guiding, implying a more direct influence. "Under the leadership" is broader, encompassing overall guidance and strategic direction. In practical terms, they are often interchangeable, but "under the leadership" is more versatile.