as the paths

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the paths" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are comparing or describing multiple routes or directions, often metaphorically. Example: "As the paths diverged in the forest, I had to choose which way to go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

As the paths of these fascinating, complicated people cross (two go to jail), Mr. Akin regards them with unwavering compassion.

The New York Times

As the paths of the cop and the killer converge, small gestures — many of them adolescent in nature — carry serious weight.

The New Yorker

He does speculate that the ley-men, surveyors using twin poles to lay out their routes across the landscape, were seen as seers of some sort because of their near-magical powers (he imagined the famous chalk Long Man of Wilmington to be an image of a ley-man) and that superstitions built up around way markers as the paths themselves fell into decline.

The Guardian - Books

Such samplings and the commercial and affectionate reasons behind it remind older listeners of the music they grew up with and tease younger listeners with hints of a past that was just as rough-and-tumble as the paths that pop music has taken now.

The New York Times

As the paths of these characters converge, Bohjalian works to flesh out their disparate views of the conflagration, from the Prussians who can't understand why the Soviets are committing atrocities (while attributing all German atrocities to "SS brutes and thugs") to Uri, who sees the refugees as "fleeing a retribution they had asked for".

The New York Times - Books

At Tuskegee, Washington was trying to improve the lot of black Americans through education and the acquisition of useful skills rather than through political agitation; he stressed conciliation, compromise, and economic development as the paths for black advancement in American society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Think of it as the path to the path.

The New York Times

11 As the path levels off, take the left fork signposted to the stepping stones.

The Guardian - Travel

8. Do not enter the drive as the path has been diverted.

The Guardian - Travel

As the path winds uphill it passes towering cliffs, made by quarrying the fine-grained stone.

The Guardian

As the path dips through the dunes the warm breeze is no longer discernible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the paths" to effectively convey the divergence, convergence, or parallel nature of multiple routes, whether physical or metaphorical. This phrase works well when illustrating choices, opportunities, or different methods leading to various outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "as the paths" in simple sentences where a more direct comparison would suffice. For instance, instead of saying "As the paths diverged, I chose the left one", consider "When the paths diverged, I chose the left one" for brevity and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the paths" functions as a conjunctive phrase, often introducing a clause that describes a circumstance concurrent with the routes or trajectories being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as the paths" is a grammatically sound and usable construction in English, acting as a conjunctive phrase to connect concurrent events or descriptions related to multiple routes or courses. While not extremely common, it finds a comfortable space in various contexts, particularly news, science, and encyclopedic writing. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. For alternative expressions, consider "as the routes" or "as the ways" to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the routes

Substitutes "paths" with "routes", emphasizing a more planned or defined course.

as the ways

Replaces "paths" with "ways", a more general term for directions or methods.

as the courses

Uses "courses" instead of "paths", suggesting a predetermined direction or sequence.

as the trails

Employs "trails" instead of "paths", evoking a more natural or less structured route.

as the avenues

Replaces "paths" with "avenues", implying a broader or more significant course of action.

as the directions

Substitutes "paths" with "directions", focusing on the heading or orientation.

as the trajectories

Uses "trajectories" in place of "paths", highlighting a calculated or projected course.

as the lines of flight

A more metaphorical substitution, suggesting the courses taken are akin to flight paths.

as the itineraries

Replaces "paths" with "itineraries", suggesting a detailed plan for a journey or process.

as the lines of approach

A more formal substitution that is suitable in technical/scientific contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "as the paths" in a sentence?

Use "as the paths" to describe the relationship between multiple routes or courses, either literal or metaphorical. For instance, "As the paths of the two companies converged, they decided to merge".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "as the paths"?

Similar phrases include "as the routes", "as the ways", and "as the courses". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "as the paths" formal or informal?

"As the paths" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language. It is generally suitable for news articles, academic papers, and casual conversations.

What is the difference between "as the paths" and "like the paths"?

"As the paths" often implies a relationship or action occurring concurrently with the routes. "Like the paths" is a simple comparison between two entities.