alter the course of history
/ˈɔːltər ðə kɔːrs əv ˈhɪstəri/
Meaning
This expression means to change the direction or outcome of major historical events significantly. It is used when discussing actions, inventions, or decisions that have a profound, permanent impact on the world. The tone is serious, academic, and highly formal.
Examples
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The discovery of penicillin would ultimately alter the course of history.
The discovery of penicillin would ultimately alter the course of history.
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Many historians argue that the treaty did more to alter the course of history than the war itself.
Many historians argue that the treaty did more to alter the course of history than the war itself.
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A single decision by the general at that crucial moment altered the course of history.
A single decision by the general at that crucial moment altered the course of history.
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Few scientific breakthroughs have the power to completely alter the course of history.
Few scientific breakthroughs have the power to completely alter the course of history.
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We are living through events that will undoubtedly alter the course of history for generations to come.
We are living through events that will undoubtedly alter the course of history for generations to come.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The invention altered the path of history.
✓ The invention altered the course of history.
While 'path' is semantically similar, the established, natural collocation in English is 'course of history'.
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✗ His actions changed the course of the history.
✓ His actions changed the course of history.
In this idiom, 'history' is used as an abstract noun and does not take the definite article 'the'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The introduction of the printing press did more to ___ than almost any other invention.
💡 Change the direction of human events permanently.
Show answer
alter the course of history
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Decisions made during this climate summit could ___ for the next century.
💡 Change how future events unfold.
Show answer
alter the course of history