Chart a path

USAGE SUMMARY

"Chart a path" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing planning, guiding, or outlining a course of action. Example: "We need to chart a path for our project to ensure its success." Alternative expressions include "map out a route" and "define a direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Cayne has worked hard to chart a path to recovery.

The New York Times

And how can conservatives chart a path back to power after this month's Republican defeats?

The New York Times

Aleksandr Yakovenko, a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, praised Mr. Bush's effort to chart a path to peace.

The New York Times

Taken together, these holdings chart a path for the international community to counter the United States' veto power.

The New York Times

The challenge was to chart a path with a maximum of coverage and chronological accuracy and a minimum of backtracking.

The New York Times - Arts

The SDGs chart a path for eliminating poverty and securing a better life for all by 2030.

The Guardian

If we can chart a path to post-carbon economy, it will involve gaining a lot of other things.

The Guardian - Books

It sounded like a court that thought it had the responsibility to chart a path out of a political and legal morass.

The New York Times

A recent case will shape how the ExamWorks case unfolds and also chart a path for the future of merger litigation.

The New York Times

With so many of our landmarks in ruins, we can barely see where we are headed, let alone chart a path.

The Guardian

Many people said they had once been Orange supporters, and had hoped that the leadership in the past five years would chart a path toward integration with Europe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chart a path" when you want to emphasize the process of creating a new or innovative plan, especially when facing uncertainty or challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "chart a path" in contexts where a more direct or literal phrase would be clearer. Overusing figurative language can make your writing sound forced or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chart a path" functions as a verb phrase, where "chart" acts as a transitive verb taking "path" as its direct object. It's frequently used to describe the action of planning or creating a route or strategy. This is consistent with Ludwig AI, which indicates its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chart a path" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies planning or creating a route, especially in the face of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase sees widespread use in News & Media. For alternative expressions, consider "map out a course" or "develop a plan" depending on the context. When writing, remember to use the phrase when emphasizing the process of creating something new and avoid overuse of figurative language to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Outline a route

Focuses on the initial sketching of a path or direction.

Map out a course

Uses 'map out' which suggests a more detailed and visual planning process.

Lay out a plan

Implies setting out the details of a plan in a clear and organized manner.

Establish a direction

Emphasizes setting a course or heading.

Formulate a plan

Involves creating a detailed and structured plan.

Define a strategy

Focuses more on the strategic aspect rather than the route.

Develop a plan

Emphasizes the creation of a structured plan of action.

Devise a strategy

Focuses on inventing or creating a cunning strategy.

Forge a direction

Suggests creating a new direction, sometimes in a challenging environment.

Design a course of action

Highlights the deliberate design and planning of specific actions.

FAQs

How can I use "chart a path" in a sentence?

"Chart a path" is used to describe the process of creating a plan or strategy to achieve a goal, especially when navigating complex situations. For example: "The company needs to "chart a path" to recovery after the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "chart a path"?

Alternatives to "chart a path" include "develop a plan", "map out a course", or "define a strategy". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "chart a path" or "map out a strategy"?

Both "chart a path" and "map out a strategy" are valid, but "chart a path" often implies navigating uncharted territory or creating something new. "Map out a strategy" suggests a more detailed, step-by-step planning process.

What does it mean to "chart a path forward"?

"Chart a path forward" means to create a plan for the future, especially after a setback or in the face of uncertainty. It emphasizes the idea of moving ahead with purpose and direction. It is similar to "establish a direction" or "develop a plan".