a certain path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain path" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific or known path, without specifying exactly which path it is. Example: After losing his job, John found himself on a certain path towards a new career in healthcare.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I realized that life is at its best when you are not following a certain path.

The New York Times

If they tell us to follow a certain path, we follow it".

The New Yorker

Crossing Mr. Daley, or even questioning him, was a certain path to the political fringe.

The New York Times

They're not necessarily bad people; they're regular people, led by experience to choose a certain path.

The Guardian

"Where was it written in stone that I have to follow a certain path?

The New York Times

A life, his work tells us time and again, attempts to follow a certain path but cannot be confined.

The New York Times - Books

When he left I worried that he might go down a certain path despite everyone's best efforts.

The Guardian

But they said Democrats would resist any amendments that significantly undermine the core of the bill — a certain path to citizenship for those already in the country.

The New York Times

Another tactic, favored by the strategist Herman Kahn, is to "throw out the steering wheel," to demonstrate that you are locked into a certain path and can't swerve.

The New York Times

So I began to visit the museum more and more, and to follow a certain path when I needed to dispel sadness or find inspiration.

The New Yorker

I think that everybody has moments in their lives that defines who they are or sends them down a certain path.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain path" when you want to refer to a specific but unspecified route or course of action. It's particularly effective when the exact details of the path are less important than the fact that a specific route is being followed.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain path" in highly formal or technical writing where precise language is crucial. In such cases, opt for more specific terms like "a defined methodology" or "a specified procedure" to enhance clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain path" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a specific but not explicitly named route, direction, or course of action. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain path" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that denotes a specific, though not necessarily detailed, course or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "a specific route" or "a defined course" may be more appropriate in formal settings, "a certain path" offers a useful balance of specificity and generality for many writing situations. Remember to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts where greater precision is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific route

Focuses on the concrete direction taken, emphasizing a journey or course.

a defined course

Highlights the predetermined or established nature of the path.

a particular trajectory

Emphasizes movement and direction, often used in a more technical context.

a set direction

Underscores the fixed and intentional nature of the route.

a chosen course of action

Highlights the decision-making aspect of selecting a path.

a designated route

Implies that the route has been officially assigned or approved.

a predetermined direction

Stresses that the direction was decided in advance.

a selected path

Emphasizes the act of choosing the path.

a given route

Suggests that the route is already established or known.

a deliberate course

Focuses on the intentional and thoughtful selection of the path.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain path" to refer to a specific, though not explicitly defined, course or direction. For example, "The investigation led them down "a certain path" of inquiry".

What are some alternatives to using "a certain path"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a specific route", "a particular trajectory", or "a defined course".

Is it appropriate to use "a certain path" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "a certain path" may be too vague for some academic contexts. Consider using more precise language unless the ambiguity is intentional or serves a rhetorical purpose.

What does it mean when someone says they are "on a certain path"?

It typically means they are following a particular course of action or pursuing a specific goal, even if the details or final outcome are not yet fully known. It implies a sense of direction and purpose.