as a road to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a road to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a means or pathway toward achieving a particular goal or outcome. Example: "Education is often seen as a road to success in one's career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Its symbolism as a road to freedom is clear.

Independent

But to Mr. Laughy's dismay, international oil companies see this meandering, backcountry route as a road to riches.

The New York Times

This is a religious idea as much as a cultural one — self-flagellation as a road to transcendence.

The New Yorker

"They see brain imaging as a road to a new science of learning," he explains, "with the emphasis on 'science'".

The Economist

By 1902 he was denouncing the Socialist and Radical parties for advocating democracy and constitutionalism as a road to Socialism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Oil production, once viewed as a road to riches, has much more often led to local ruin.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"It was as difficult a road to get here as it was to get to the Olympics," said John Hughes, Sarah's father.

The New York Times - Sports

I'd say not as much as having a road to drive, having internet, watering your house.

TechCrunch

I'd see the fee as transitional funding on a road to something more stable.

The Guardian

But in conversation he likes to explain the failure of the business as a road-to-Damascus moment.

The New Yorker

The idea of using light boxes came to him, in what admiring critics have liked to celebrate as a road-to-Damascus flash, on a bus trip in Spain in 1977.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a road to" when you want to emphasize a process or journey toward a specific goal. It implies a sense of progression and development.

Common error

Avoid using "as a road to" excessively in contexts where a more direct and literal expression would be clearer and more effective. Overuse can make your writing sound cliché or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a road to" functions as a purpose connector, indicating the means or method by which a particular goal or outcome can be achieved. It establishes a relationship between an action or process and its intended result. This is supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a road to" functions as a purpose connector, indicating that something serves as a means or pathway towards achieving a particular goal. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's commonly used in various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and science, with a neutral register. While generally acceptable, overuse should be avoided to prevent cliché or convoluted writing. Consider alternatives such as "as a pathway to" or "as a means of" for variety. The choice of alternative will be related to the degree of formality needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a means of achieving

Emphasizes the instrumentality or method involved in reaching a goal.

as a pathway toward

Suggests a route or direction leading to a specific outcome.

as a route toward

Similar to "pathway", but can also imply a more planned or structured approach.

as a channel for

Focuses on providing a conduit or medium through which something can be achieved.

as a gateway to

Implies an entry point or access to something larger or more significant.

as a stepping stone to

Suggests a preliminary stage or action that facilitates further progress.

as a vehicle for

Highlights the use of something as a tool or mechanism to achieve a specific purpose.

as a bridge to

Implies a connection or transition between two different states or conditions.

as an avenue for

Similar to "pathway" or "route", but suggests a more open or public way of achieving something.

as a course for

Suggests a defined progression to an outcome.

FAQs

What does the phrase "as a road to" mean?

The phrase "as a road to" indicates that something serves as a means, pathway, or process leading to a specific goal or outcome. It implies a journey or progression.

How can I use "as a road to" in a sentence?

You can use "as a road to" to connect an action, method, or idea with a desired result. For example, "Education is often seen as a road to success."

What are some alternatives to "as a road to"?

You can use alternatives like "as a pathway to", "as a means of", or "as a route to" depending on the context.

Is "as a road to" formal or informal?

"As a road to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, consider alternatives such as "as a mechanism for" or "as a channel for" to maintain a professional tone.