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Fixed expressions

“Of course” or “on course”?

Of course is a common expression meaning certainly or naturally. On course means moving in the planned or correct direction.

Quick answer

What is the difference?

Use of course to agree, confirm, or say something is expected. Use on course to describe progress toward a goal or movement along a planned route.

Of course you can join us.
The project is on course for completion in June.
The aircraft remained on course despite the storm.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
of course

Showing certainty or agreement

Use of course in conversation to mean certainly, naturally, or as expected.

Of course I remember your name.
Yes, of course we can help.
2
on course for + noun

Progress toward a result

Use on course for to describe expected achievement.

The company is on course for growth this year.
She remains on course for graduation.
3
on course

Following the correct route or plan

Use on course for physical direction or planned progress.

The ship stayed on course overnight.
Everything is still on course.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
of course
Of course I will attend the meeting.
Certainly; naturally.
on course
The negotiations are on course.
Proceeding as planned or in the right direction.
on course for
The team is on course for victory.
Likely to achieve a result.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using on course to mean certainly

On course does not express agreement or certainty.

✕ On course I can help you. ✓ Of course I can help you.

Using of course for progress

Of course cannot describe movement toward a goal.

✕ The train is of course. ✓ The train is on course.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. ___, you may borrow my notes.
2. The project is ___ for completion by July.
3. The pilot kept the plane ___ despite strong winds.

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Frequently asked questions

Is of course formal or informal?

It works in both formal and informal English, although overuse can sound repetitive.

What does on course mean?

It means moving in the correct direction or progressing toward a goal.

Can on course be used without for?

Yes. You can say a project is on course or a ship stayed on course.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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