chart the course

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiomfigurative

   to plan the future direction of something, such as a company, project, or life.

   Grammar: Usually takes an object: chart the course for something. Often used in the pattern 'chart a course for/through something'.

   Patterns

   • chart the course for something
   • chart a course for something
   • chart the course of something

   The new manager will chart the course for the company over the next five years.

   The report charts the course for education reform in the coming decade.

   After graduation, she charted her own course in the music industry.

2. 2phraseidiomtechnical

   to decide and record the direction a ship or aircraft will travel.

   Grammar: Used literally for ships or planes. Also 'chart a course'.

   Patterns

   • chart the course for a ship
   • chart a course

   The captain charted the course for the ship before they left the harbor.

   They charted a course through the dangerous waters.

Common combinations

chart the course for something

The summit charted the course for peace talks.

chart a new course

The company decided to chart a new course after the crisis.

chart the course of history

The invention of the internet charted the course of modern history.

Synonyms and how they differ

set the direction

This is more general and can be used for physical or figurative direction; 'chart the course' suggests careful planning like a map.

map out

This is more informal and often used for plans or steps; 'chart the course' is more formal and often about a long-term direction.

Word family

chart verb

To make a map or plan, or to record progress.

chart noun

A map or diagram showing information.

Commonly confused: chart the course or chart a course?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “chart the course”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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