veer off course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veer off course" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which a person or thing changes direction or starts moving in a different direction than what was originally intended. Example: The airplane began to veer off course as the wind picked up.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

She then speaks to LSE professor Mary Evans, an expert in gender studies; things veer off course as Evans is asked: "What powers a mirror" in a discussion about equality.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As you might expect, the language of "Passion Play" can soar and the whimsy can veer off course; but, to borrow a trope from some of the play's characters, would you rather see a wholly coherent production from a second-rate mind or a disheveled epic from a brilliant one?

The New York Times

And if, by some fluke, you do veer off course, the 930 will plot the quickest alternate route without comment, which is more than you can expect from most human navigators.

Forbes

What would our country look like if more of us had the courage to veer "off course" and pursue careers that made our souls sing?

Huffington Post

Conversations with Pink tend to veer off course.

The New Yorker

Or perhaps he meant all along to veer off course.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

If it veers off course, you're in trouble.

The New Yorker

Mr. Mosher also said the vessel veered off course after hitting an unmarked sandbar.

The New York Times

The rocket veered off course after launch, so the North Koreans obviously have some kinks to work out.

The New York Times - Magazine

The operatives had barely been on target for a minute, and the mission was already veering off course.

The New Yorker

The teams had barely been on target for a minute, and the mission was already veering off course.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "veer off course" to describe situations where a planned or intended direction is altered, whether literally (like a vehicle) or figuratively (like a discussion or project).

Common error

Avoid using "veer off course" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "deviate", "stray", or "diverge" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "veer off course" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a movement or a shift away from a predetermined direction or plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and is used to describe the action of deviating from an intended path.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "veer off course" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a deviation from an intended path, plan, or direction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register and serves to highlight unexpected or unintended shifts. To avoid overuse, consider using alternatives like "deviate", "stray", or "diverge", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Understanding these subtle differences in meaning can help you better select the most appropriate phrase for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviate from the plan

Focuses specifically on straying from a pre-established plan or strategy.

wander off topic

Specifically refers to diverging from the main subject of discussion.

stray from the path

Emphasizes wandering away from a literal or figurative path or direction.

go off on a tangent

Describes a sudden and often unrelated shift in conversation or thought.

go astray

Suggests a more significant departure from what is right or expected.

drift away from

Indicates a gradual and unintentional shift in direction or focus.

get sidetracked

Implies a temporary distraction that causes a shift in focus or direction.

swerve away

Suggests a sudden and potentially unintentional change in direction.

lose focus

Highlights a loss of concentration or attention, leading to a change in direction.

diverge from the norm

Implies a departure from established customs or standards.

FAQs

What does "veer off course" mean?

The phrase "veer off course" means to deviate from an intended path, plan, or direction. It can apply to physical journeys, discussions, or projects.

How to use "veer off course" in a sentence?

You can use "veer off course" to describe a physical movement, such as "The ship "veered off course" during the storm", or a figurative deviation, like "The conversation "veered off course" when we started talking about politics".

What are some alternatives to "veer off course"?

You can use alternatives like "deviate from the plan", "stray from the path", or "go astray" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "veered off the course" instead of "veer off course"?

While "veered off the course" might sound similar, "veer off course" is the more common and idiomatic expression. Using "the" implies a specific, defined course, which might not always be the case.