veering off course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veering off course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is deviating from a planned or intended direction. Example: "The project started strong, but it began veering off course when we lost sight of our original goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

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

But a chef traveling so far afield risks veering off course, and Mr. Adrià admits he is learning as he goes.

The New York Times - Food

The Arizona Cardinals needed an identity and an influence to calm the sails of a franchise that has been veering off course for most of its existence.

The New York Times - Sports

"This report of a Trident missile veering off course during a test is clearly a very serious matter indeed, and we need to know exactly what happened," she said.

The Guardian

Veering off course, clinging to the ship's wheel as though it were steering him, asking our sailing guide amateurish questions — he wasn't exactly inspiring confidence in my new wife, Jen, who had signed on for eight days of this as part of our honeymoon.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 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

In the last launching of the Arrow-2 in August 1997, the missile veered off course and the test was aborted.

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

They veer off course, and ultimately fail to behave with dignity and respect.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "veering off course" to describe situations where a plan, project, or even a person's behavior deviates from its intended direction. It's particularly effective when emphasizing a subtle or gradual shift rather than a sudden or drastic change.

Common error

Avoid using "veering off course" solely for literal navigation errors (e.g., a car slightly drifting in its lane). The phrase is most impactful when used to describe deviations from abstract goals, strategies, or expected outcomes. Consider using more precise language for physical movements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "veering off course" primarily functions as a compound verb phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes an action of deviation or divergence from a planned or expected trajectory, whether literal or figurative. Ludwig AI provides examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "veering off course" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe deviations from an intended path or plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, particularly in news, business, and general discourse. While it maintains a neutral register, its impact lies in emphasizing a shift from expectations, requiring attention and potential correction. Alternatives such as "deviating from the plan" or "straying from the path" can provide nuanced substitutions, depending on the specific context. When using the phrase, it’s best to reserve it for situations where the deviation is more abstract than literal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Deviating from the plan

Focuses on the divergence from a specific, pre-established plan.

Wandering off course

Similar to straying, but can imply a more gradual or less deliberate deviation.

Straying from the path

Implies a wandering or unintentional departure from a set route or goal.

Getting off track

Emphasizes a loss of focus or direction, particularly in projects or goals.

Going astray

Suggests a more negative connotation of losing one's way, often morally or ethically.

Losing direction

Focuses on the absence of a clear sense of where one is headed.

Departing from the norm

Highlights a deviation from what is considered typical or expected.

Changing course

Indicates a deliberate alteration of the planned route or strategy.

Going off the rails

Suggests a more dramatic and uncontrolled loss of direction or stability.

Taking a detour

Suggests a temporary departure from the main route, often for exploration or to avoid an obstacle.

FAQs

How can I use "veering off course" in a sentence?

You can use "veering off course" to describe a plan, project, or even a person's behavior deviating from its intended direction. For instance, "The project started strong, but it began veering off course when we lost sight of our original goals."

What are some alternatives to "veering off course"?

Alternatives include "deviating from the plan", "straying from the path", or "getting off track", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "veering off course" or "deviating from the course"?

"Veering off course" often implies a more gradual and perhaps unintentional deviation, while "deviating from the course" can suggest a more deliberate or significant departure. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when a project is described as "veering off course"?

When a project is "veering off course", it means that the project is deviating from its original plan, goals, or intended outcomes. This could be due to various factors such as scope creep, changing requirements, or poor management.