we are on course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are on course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you are following a planned path or direction, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "Despite the challenges we've faced, I believe we are on course to meet our project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Indeed, although, as George Osborne says, we are "on course for surplus" in the public finances, we are off course according to many of his plans set out only a few years ago.

Independent

But we are on course to win the Iraq war.

The New York Times

"We are on course to be profitable in 2002," he said in a brief telephone interview.

The New York Times

We are on course to begin the national rollout of universal credit in October 2013".

The Guardian

"But we know we are on course because we are ahead of our best projections".

The Guardian

Now we are on course for at least three degrees this century.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

In fact, we may be off-course more often than we are on-course.

HuffPost

"I believe that we're on course.

The Guardian

In other words, we're on course toward a catastrophe.

The New York Times

By this stage, we were on course 13.

Independent

As the track turns into tarmac, we're on course for another lunch in Painscastle.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are on course" when you want to assure your audience that despite any challenges, the original plan is still being followed successfully.

Common error

Avoid using "we are on course" too frequently in a single document. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "we are on track" or "we are proceeding as planned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are on course" primarily functions as a statement of progress or assurance. It indicates that a planned objective is being achieved according to expectations. Ludwig examples confirm its use in diverse contexts from business to climate change discussions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academic

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are on course" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys confidence in achieving a planned objective. As indicated by Ludwig, it's suitable for a range of formal and informal contexts, particularly in business, news, and discussions about progress towards specific goals. While versatile, remember to vary your language and choose synonyms like "we are on track" to avoid repetition. Remember that while the phrase is prevalent in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, it sees less usage in academic settings. With this knowledge, you can confidently use "we are on course" to communicate progress and assurance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are on track

Replaces "course" with "track", emphasizing adherence to a planned path.

we are proceeding as planned

Substitutes the metaphor with a direct statement of planned progression.

we are on schedule

Focuses specifically on time-related progress.

we are moving forward

Uses a more general term for advancement, suitable when the specific goal is less defined.

we are making progress

Highlights the act of advancing, irrespective of a specific plan.

we are advancing steadily

Emphasizes consistent and continuous progress.

we are heading in the right direction

Shifts the focus to direction rather than strict adherence to a plan.

we are getting there

Offers a more casual and less formal way to express progress.

we are sticking to the plan

Highlights commitment to the original plan.

we are maintaining our trajectory

Uses a more technical term to indicate that the expected path is being followed.

FAQs

How can I use "we are on course" in a sentence?

The phrase "we are on course" is used to indicate that progress is being made according to a plan or expectation. For example, "Despite the initial setbacks, "we are on course" to meet our quarterly goals."

What is a good alternative to "we are on course"?

Alternatives include "we are on track", "we are proceeding as planned", or "we are on schedule". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the progress you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "we are on course" or "we are on track"?

Both phrases are similar, but "we are on course" implies following a specific route or strategy, while "we are on track" generally means adhering to a timeline or set of milestones. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Can "we are on course" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "we are on course" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in business or project management contexts. It conveys a sense of control and forward momentum, as seen in examples from sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times.