in the course of

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

Lana, he says, “understands that there are certain rules and patterns and structure to things that Willis is only beginning to understand. And that’s part of what we’re watching in the course of the story.”

From Los Angeles Times

Winners could lose their awards if they receive a prison sentence of at least three months, whether suspended or not, or are "proven to have used duplicitous and/or illegal methods in the course of making their work".

From BBC

The memorial service to remember 32 officers who lost their lives in the course of duty was held at Hydebank Wood Memorial Garden.

From BBC

In the course of this season, 38.7% of attacks have come down City’s right flank compared to 36% on the left.

From BBC

His own former chief of staff has described him as a “fascist,” and over the summer, the Supreme Court shielded Trump from prosecution for any crimes committed in the course of “official acts” as president.

From Slate