a little pathway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little pathway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or narrow path, often in a natural setting or garden. Example: "As we walked through the park, we discovered a little pathway that led us to a hidden pond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Beside a gray-shingled house with a wisteria arbor is a little pathway, nine feet wide, that leads to a stretch of Malibu shoreline known as Carbon Beach.

The New Yorker

By Dana Goodyear August 12, 2008 Beside a gray-shingled house with a wisteria arbor is a little pathway, nine feet wide, that leads to a stretch of Malibu shoreline known as Carbon Beach.

The New Yorker

Then a little pathway out in the road going up and down this place.

Huffington Post

Just stick your arms out straight ahead of you while you walk, thus making a little pathway for you to go through (this is tried and true!).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Ask about other damage, and Mr. Nelson acknowledges "a little used pathway" was left broken and cratered, and edged by a 75-yard stretch of mud and dirt.

The New York Times

Although current pathway databases have a biased coverage of cancer-related genes, many of the genes with low-frequency mutations are still among those with little pathway information.

Bioinformatics

And one of the best parts of the Notebaert is on the outside, Natures Trails, a series of neat little pathways around the building that wind through various botanical habitats and connect to Lincoln Park's footpaths.

Los Angeles Times

Instead, a little-studied pathway called RalGEF led the show.

Science Magazine

The gardens are also full of little pathways that lead to discreet niches, statues or other focal points.

The New York Times

I did that since I was a little girl, on the pathway home from school.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hi, How Are You is about tilting the iPhone itself to direct a little cartoonlike figure along pathways suspended in space without falling off.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a garden or natural setting, "a little pathway" can add charm and detail. Use it to evoke a sense of discovery and intimacy in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a little pathway" in formal or technical writing where a more precise term like "access road" or "designated route" would be more appropriate. It risks sounding too informal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little pathway" functions as a noun phrase, where "little" modifies the noun "pathway". It describes a diminutive or minor route. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little pathway" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a small or minor route. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While its frequency is rare, with only a few examples available, it is mainly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. When you're aiming to create a sense of intimacy or discovery, "a little pathway" can be a good choice. However, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing, where more precise alternatives might be better suited. Consider alternatives such as "a small trail" or "a narrow path" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small trail

Replaces "pathway" with "trail" indicating a less formal or developed route, implying a closer connection to nature.

a narrow path

Emphasizes the restricted width of the route, focusing on its physical characteristic of being slender.

a tiny lane

Substitutes "pathway" with "lane", suggesting a small road or passage often found in rural areas.

a minor route

Uses "route" instead of "pathway", indicating a more general or planned course.

a hidden track

Highlights the concealed or secret nature of the pathway, emphasizing its obscurity.

a garden path

Specifies the location of the pathway, placing it within a garden setting.

a woodland trail

Indicates the pathway is located in a wooded area, emphasizing its natural environment.

a side passage

Suggests the pathway is a secondary or less important route, often used for access to a specific area.

a secret path

Highlights the mysterious or unknown nature of the route, implying exclusivity or privacy.

a winding lane

Emphasizes the curved or indirect nature of the pathway, focusing on its shape and direction.

FAQs

How can I use "a little pathway" in a sentence?

You can use "a little pathway" to describe a small or minor route, such as: "The cottage had a little pathway leading to the beach." It often implies a sense of intimacy or discovery.

What are some alternatives to "a little pathway"?

You can use alternatives like "a small trail", "a narrow path", or "a garden path" depending on the context.

Is "a little pathway" too informal for academic writing?

Yes, in most cases. While grammatically correct, "a little pathway" might be too informal for academic writing. Consider using more precise terms like "access route" or "designated path".

What's the difference between "a little pathway" and "a major thoroughfare"?

"A little pathway" describes a small, often intimate route, whereas "a major thoroughfare" describes a large, heavily used road or street. They are antonyms in terms of scale and function.