a meandering route

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a meandering route" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a path or journey that is winding or indirect, often implying a leisurely or scenic experience. Example: "The hikers enjoyed a meandering route through the lush forest, taking in the sights and sounds of nature along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He charts a meandering route.

The Economist

The Lakers found their destination, their 15th N.B.A. championship, after a meandering route.

The New York Times - Sports

Luckily, it is a meandering route that allows the director to linger over the odd, low-key moments he cherishes.

The New York Times

Back then, Doyle's narrative cunningly guided the reader with a trail of crumbs that took a meandering route before forking off into the torture chamber.

The New York Times

The quotation aptly describes Mason, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard in his fourth season who took a meandering route to the N.B.A.

The New York Times

We drive a meandering route to confuse or evade the security forces who might be watching us or following.The passenger in the front seat, a man wearing a beard, dreadlocks and a black T-shirt, seems to be the commander.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A degree in music at Berkeley, cooking stints in California and Italy, a time as Alice Waters's chef at Chez Panisse and a year off to study ancient history at the University of Toronto led to Oliveto -- a typically meandering route for a contemporary American chef.

The New York Times - Food

Geometrically, the morning had been a curved, meandering route between two circular structures; the afternoon would be a beeline between the tallest phallic symbols in the country: 1 Canada Square and the Shard.

The Guardian - Books

It's a tricky, meandering route to get from the Hudson River path to the bridge itself, but that's all part of the experience.

The New York Times

Rod Strickland has taken a long, meandering route to the N.C.A.A. men's basketball tournament, from Truman High in the Bronx to Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va., to DePaul University in Chicago and to eight N.B.A. teams in 17 seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Exposing herself to motorbikes and dingy buses on bad roads, leaky fishing boats and unreliable ferries, she traces a long, meandering route through the islands on the periphery — Sumba, Maluku, Sulawesi, Sumatra, and Kalimantan — before arriving in the old core of Java.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a meandering route" when you want to convey a sense of exploration, leisure, or unexpected discoveries along a path or journey. It suggests that the journey is as important as the destination.

Common error

While "a meandering route" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid it in highly formal or technical writing where precision is key. Opt for more direct language like "an alternate route" or "an indirect path" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a meandering route" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "meandering" modifies the noun "route". It describes a specific type of path or course, often implying a lack of directness. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Travel

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Sports

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a meandering route" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe a path or journey that is indirect and winding. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While suitable for a range of contexts, it is most frequently found in news, travel, and science-related content. When precision is paramount, especially in highly formal or technical writing, consider using more direct alternatives like "an alternate route" or "an indirect path".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a circuitous path

Focuses on the indirect and winding nature of the path.

a winding course

Highlights the turning and twisting nature of the route.

an indirect way

Emphasizes the lack of a direct path.

a roundabout journey

Stresses the non-linear progression of the journey.

a twisting road

Highlights the physical bends and turns of the road.

a scenic detour

Adds the element of beauty and leisure to the indirect path.

a rambling track

Suggests a casual and unhurried pace along the path.

a labyrinthine trail

Emphasizes the complexity and confusing nature of the trail.

a serpentine road

Compares the road to the shape of a snake, highlighting its curves.

a deviating path

Implies a departure from a more direct or expected route.

FAQs

What does "a meandering route" mean?

The phrase "a meandering route" describes a path or journey that is not straight or direct, but rather winding and circuitous. It often implies a more leisurely and exploratory approach.

What can I say instead of "a meandering route"?

You can use alternatives like "a circuitous path", "a winding course", or "an indirect way" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a meandering route" in writing?

It's appropriate when describing journeys, narratives, or processes that don't follow a straight or predictable course. It can add a sense of charm or complexity to your writing.

Is "a meandering route" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a meandering route" may be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise and direct language like "an alternate route" or "an indirect path" in those situations.