a similar path

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "a similar path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing or contrasting two different paths or courses of action. For example, "Jane had taken a different path in life than her parents had wanted, but ultimately she and her siblings all followed a similar path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bahrain hopes to follow a similar path.

The Economist

Mr. Romney could follow a similar path.

The New York Times

They appear headed down a similar path.

The New York Times - Sports

Banks have trod a similar path before.

The New York Times - Tech

The second trial followed a similar path.

The New York Times

The second set took a similar path.

The Guardian - Sport

Transportation will follow a similar path.

Harvard Business Review

Zynga's trajectory has followed a similar path.

The New York Times

Singapore's sovereign-wealth fund has taken a similar path.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Internet of Things will follow a similar path.

The New York Times - Tech

"It was like a dorm -- everybody's on a similar path.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider specifying the aspects in which the paths are similar, such as "a similar path to success" or "a similar path in terms of career development".

Common error

Avoid using "a similar path" multiple times in the same paragraph. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a parallel course" or "a comparable route" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a similar path" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb. It describes a course of action or a developmental trajectory that shares characteristics with another, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a similar path" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to draw parallels between different courses of action or development. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb, and its purpose is to establish comparisons between different journeys or trajectories. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal news reports to informal discussions.

According to Ludwig, its high occurrence in News & Media and lower frequency in other sources highlight its significance in everyday communications. When using the phrase, clarity is key: explicitly defining the original path avoids any ambiguity. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "a similar path" to enhance clarity and impact in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a parallel course

Emphasizes the alignment and direction of two or more things.

a comparable route

Focuses on the idea of selecting an alternative way that is equivalent.

a corresponding journey

Highlights a likeness or equivalence between one experience and another.

a like trajectory

Focuses on the curve or route of something in motion.

a kindred way

Highlights a common approach or method.

an analogous procedure

Highlights a comparable action or strategy.

a matching strategy

Highlights a corresponding plan or method.

a replicated methodology

Emphasizes that a method is duplicated or imitated.

a clone approach

Highlights the idea of copying an existing method.

a carbon copy process

Focuses on the exact replication of a process.

FAQs

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

Use "a similar path" to indicate that someone or something is following a course of action or development comparable to another. For example, "The company is pursuing "a similar path" to its competitor by focusing on sustainable practices."

What phrases can I use instead of "a similar path"?

You can use alternatives such as "a parallel course", "a comparable route", or "a corresponding journey" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "an alike path" instead of "a similar path"?

While "alike" and "similar" are synonyms, "alike" is not typically used before a noun in the same way as "similar". It is more common to say "the paths are alike" rather than "an alike path". Therefore, "a similar path" is generally the preferred and more grammatically sound choice.

What's the difference between "a similar path" and "the same path"?

"A similar path" indicates that the course of action or development is comparable but not identical, whereas "the same path" implies an exact, identical course. For example, two companies might follow "a similar path" to innovation, but only one can follow "the same path".