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

A completely different experimental treatment from BioNTech targeted tumors with low mutations that were diagnosed earlier in the course of the disease.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

It was only in the course of appealing the family court ruling did Torres Campos’ lawyer mention that the two cited precedents were “invented case law.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 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

Aston Martin signed to become Honda's works partner in May 2023, while the Japanese company was in the course of four consecutive drivers' titles and two constructors' championships with Red Bull.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

During their walk, it was resolved that Mr. Bennet’s consent should be asked in the course of the evening.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen