a viable path to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a viable path to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means a feasible or realistic way of achieving something. Example: "Taking online courses is a viable path to furthering your education while still working full-time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

I didn't see a viable path to victory," Cruz said.

The New Yorker

From the beginning I've said that I would continue on as long as there was a viable path to victory.

The Guardian

Mr. Cruz, speaking to supporters in Indianapolis, said he could not fight on without "a viable path to victory".

The New York Times

Charity is not a viable path to development at the best of times, but that is even more true today.

The Guardian - Opinion

Organisations should reject the so-called expert's opinion, that is based on instinct and outdated metrics, as a viable path to set the direction for decision making.

The Guardian

Developments like direct fuel injection, variable valve timing and computerized engine controls work together to make small turbo engines a viable path to fuel efficiency.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"It's also a very viable path to starting your own business".

Huffington Post

Dr. Christine Handy, principal at Gaithersburg High School in Gaithersburg, Maryland, made a more viable path to success apparent in her testimony before the Senate Health Education Labor Pension HELPP) Committee when she stated, "ESEA must acknowledge the vital role of principals and provide them with appropriate professional support to ensure high academic achievement for all students".

Huffington Post

Many wonder if a college education is still a worthwhile investment, while others believe college is the only viable path to a middle-class life, making a degree worth almost any price.

Forbes

With the mainstream news media and the blogosphere caught in the pre-election excitement, I saw no viable path to a rational discussion.

The New York Times

That awkward alliance — dubbed the "Jamaica coalition" because the parties' colors are the same as those of the island nation's flag — was considered the only viable path to a stable government.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a viable path to", ensure that the 'path' you are describing is genuinely achievable and supported by evidence or a logical plan. Overstating the viability can undermine your credibility.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because a path is desirable, it is automatically viable. Viability requires feasibility and resources, not just wishful thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a viable path to" functions as a prepositional phrase that often modifies a noun or verb, indicating a feasible route or method for achieving a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI states, it signifies a realistic way of achieving something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a viable path to" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies a realistic and achievable way to reach a specific goal. According to Ludwig AI, it means a feasible or realistic way of achieving something. Its prevalence across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business, underscores its versatility and relevance. While many alternative phrases exist, each with slight nuances, understanding the core meaning of "a viable path to" enables effective communication and strategic planning. Remember to ensure the 'path' you describe is genuinely achievable, avoiding confusion between viability and mere desirability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a credible route to

Replaces 'viable' with 'credible', suggesting a trustworthy or believable way forward.

a realistic avenue for

Substitutes 'path' with 'avenue' and 'to' with 'for', focusing on practicality and opportunity.

a feasible approach towards

Changes 'viable path' to 'feasible approach', highlighting a practical method; also alters 'to' to 'towards'.

a promising strategy for

Replaces 'viable path' with 'promising strategy', emphasizing potential success, and 'to' with 'for'.

a practical means of

Changes 'viable path' to 'practical means', stressing a functional method, and 'to' with 'of'.

a sound method for

Replaces 'viable path' with 'sound method', underlining the reliability of the way, and 'to' with 'for'.

a workable solution for

Substitutes 'viable path' with 'workable solution', indicating an applicable answer, and 'to' with 'for'.

an effective technique for

Replaces 'viable path' with 'effective technique', underscoring the efficiency of the approach, and 'to' with 'for'.

a successful formula for

Changes 'viable path' to 'successful formula', stressing a proven method for reaching the goal, and 'to' with 'for'.

a clear trajectory toward

Replaces 'viable path' with 'clear trajectory', highlighting a defined direction, and 'to' with 'toward'.

FAQs

How can I use "a viable path to" in a sentence?

Use "a viable path to" when you want to indicate that something offers a realistic or feasible way to achieve a specific goal. For instance, "Investing in renewable energy is "a viable path to" energy independence".

What are some alternatives to saying "a viable path to"?

You can use alternatives like "a credible route to", "a realistic avenue for", or "a feasible approach towards" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the viable path for" instead of "a viable path to"?

While grammatically understandable, "a viable path to" is more commonly used because it indicates one of potentially many ways forward. "The viable path for" suggests there is only one such route.

What's the difference between "a viable path to" and "an ideal path to"?

"A viable path to" suggests a practical and achievable route, while "an ideal path to" implies the most desirable or perfect way, which may not always be realistic.