a rough path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rough path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or challenging situation or journey, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The project ahead may be a rough path, but with determination, we can overcome the obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

As for spouses who cheated, Ms. O'Shea prepares them for a rough path back.

The New York Times

A rough path took us through an ancient forest which thinned occasionally but never quite ended.

Independent

You should see a rough path leading off in the same direction.

The Guardian - Travel

We continued our gentle stroll for an hour or so then descended via a rough path to a stone shelter.

Independent

A blind man with a cane, sporting a fedora, worked his way up a rough path of volcanic earth.

The New Yorker

When he plays amazing, I know how he feels, and also, when he's going through a rough path, how that feels and how to handle the situation".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In this article, we carry out a rough paths analysis for Banach space-valued Wiener processes.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Instead, there was a rough track of boulders, a destructive path that marked Chhota Shigri's retreat.

The New Yorker

Their reactions had astonished outsiders, who reported with amazement the spectacle of long files of people holding stolidly to a narrow, rough path when close by was a smooth, easy road going in the same direction.

The New Yorker

(Judging from the failure of "Eight Crazy Nights," "Hotel Transylvania" -- an upcoming ensemble animated feature with Sandler in a voice role -- could face a similarly rough path to box-office glory).

Huffington Post

In (Diehl et al. 2015), well-posedness of the corresponding mixed SDE is established by first constructing a joint rough path "above" W and η.

Probability, Uncertainty and Quantitative Risk

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rough path" to describe a project or plan, consider specifying what makes it rough, such as potential delays, resource constraints, or competitive pressures.

Common error

Avoid using "a rough path" as a generic descriptor for any difficulty. Instead, provide context or specifics to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "The project had a rough path", explain "The project had a rough path due to unexpected regulatory hurdles".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough path" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something, literally or figuratively, that involves difficulties or challenges. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough path" is a noun phrase used to describe a challenging or difficult situation, journey, or process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. While versatile, ensure its use is specific and contextualized to maximize clarity. Consider alternatives like "a difficult journey" or "a challenging course" for nuanced meaning. Avoid overuse without providing specific details about the difficulties involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult journey

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the journey.

a challenging course

Highlights the demanding aspects of a path or plan.

a rugged road

Focuses on the uneven and harsh characteristics of a literal or figurative path.

a thorny route

Implies a path filled with obstacles and problems.

an arduous trek

Stresses the effort and difficulty involved in a journey.

a trying experience

Shifts the focus to the emotional and mental difficulty of an event or situation.

a complicated process

Highlights the intricate and potentially problematic steps involved in a task.

a tough situation

Broadly describes a difficult or unfavorable circumstance.

a bumpy ride

Suggests an unpredictable and potentially unpleasant experience.

a tortuous path

Emphasizes the winding and complex nature of the path, both literally and figuratively.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rough path" to describe a difficult or challenging journey or situation. For instance, "Starting a new business can be "a rough path", but perseverance is key."

What's a good alternative to "a rough path"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a difficult road", "a challenging journey", or "a tough situation".

Is it correct to say "a rough paths" instead of "a rough path"?

No, "a rough paths" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""a rough path"" for a singular instance or "rough paths" for multiple instances.

When is it appropriate to use "a rough path" literally versus figuratively?

Literally, ""a rough path"" can describe a physical trail that is uneven or difficult to traverse. Figuratively, it can describe any challenging or difficult process, experience, or situation.