in the course of

Idioms  

1. Also, during the course of. In the process or progress of, as in the famous phrase from the Declaration of Independence (1776), “When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands ...” These phrases have been criticized as needlessly wordy (in or during alone are adequate), but they have an emphatic rhythm that keeps them alive. [Mid-1600s]

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Example Sentences

He builds scrapers, databases, interfaces, and other tools that are needed in the course of pursuing and telling a story.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

And yet, as you said, Bondi is now claiming the power to stop state bars from investigating DOJ lawyers for ethical violations in the course of their duties.

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2026

“Federal officials acting in the course of their duties are immune from liability under state law.”

From Salon • Mar. 3, 2026

“Mr. Shojinaga was a teacher at Viewpoint School in the city of Calabasas and has had contact with numerous juveniles in the course of that employment,” sheriff officials said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

Pellinore had refused to have her Mbd Mertyn arrived one afternoon in the course of hk northern walking tour, wearing a haversack and a pair of monstrous boots.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White