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

“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

It's been quite a week or so for the Scot, who has been plastered all over various social media platforms in the course of doing his job.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

But his father enjoyed it very much indeed and in the course of the next few weeks told it to so many people that Cor wished it had never happened.

From "The Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis