be on a trajectory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be on a trajectory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a course or path that someone or something is following, often in a metaphorical sense related to progress or development. Example: "The company is on a trajectory towards becoming a leader in sustainable technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Now he seems to be on a trajectory to make gay rights one of his Administration's most lasting accomplishments.

The New Yorker

What can be done if a rogue asteroid is judged to be on a trajectory that threatens Earth?

The New York Times

3.45pm BST "States have to design plans now... so that they can be on a trajectory to meet their final goals by 2030," McCarthy, the EPA administrator, says.

The Guardian

Amid genuine fears in Berlin that Britain may be on a trajectory towards exit, the German chancellor is expected to say that Britain benefits from its membership of the EU.

The Guardian

It noted that if Spain were to tap the bailout fund for just that €60 billion, the country's debt would be "on a trajectory to peak at 95 percent of G.D.P. in 2015".

The New York Times

Law - yes for those who break through into the world of silk etc - but there are already call centres full of low-paid solicitors; medicine and vet still a sure-fire thing and if they end up part-privatising the NHS through co-payment I think finally medicine will be on a trajectory to where it is in the USA - i.e. well remunerated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Gardels: It is ironic that one of the demands of the European Union, when Turkey was on a trajectory toward EU membership, was subordinating the military to civilian rule.

Huffington Post

It is on a trajectory to get worse.

The Guardian

Furthermore, Windows 8 and Windows Phone look as though they're on a trajectory of convergence.

The Guardian - Tech

He added: "We are on a trajectory to reach record levels of car manufacturing by 2020".

The Guardian - Business

Now he is on a trajectory to be thrown out of office, via cancellation, by next Election Day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "be on a trajectory" to describe a clear path of progress or development, especially when the direction is predictable or has momentum. For example, "The company is on a trajectory for significant growth this quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "be on a trajectory" to describe situations that are static or lack a sense of forward movement. The term implies dynamism and direction; using it in a stationary context weakens its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on a trajectory" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a subject is following a specific course or path of development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly portrays movement or progress towards a defined outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be on a trajectory" describes the path or course something is following, often implying a predictable outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is commonly used in news and media, and science contexts to describe trends and expected developments. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, it's useful for conveying direction and momentum. When using the phrase, remember to avoid applying it to static situations and consider alternatives like ""follow a path"" or ""head in a direction"" for slightly different nuances. Examples from reputable sources show the phrase's broad applicability, from political analysis to technological advancements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow a path

Emphasizes the general direction without necessarily implying a predictable outcome.

head in a direction

Suggests movement towards a general area, less precise than trajectory.

develop in a direction

Highlights the evolving nature of progress, implying growth or change.

progress along a route

Indicates a gradual advancement along a specific path.

advance on a course

Suggests purposeful forward movement towards a specific objective.

evolve along a path

Emphasizes a gradual, natural development along a certain route.

move toward a goal

Focuses on the intended destination, highlighting purpose rather than course.

be set for

Implies a prepared or arranged course of action leading to a specific result.

gravitate toward something

Implies an attraction or pull towards a particular outcome or state.

be destined for

Suggests a predetermined outcome, emphasizing fate or inevitability.

FAQs

How can I use "be on a trajectory" in a sentence?

You can use "be on a trajectory" to describe the path or direction that someone or something is following. For example, "The project is "be on a trajectory" to be completed ahead of schedule".

What are some alternatives to "be on a trajectory"?

Some alternatives to "be on a trajectory" include "follow a path", "head in a direction", or "move toward a goal". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is on a trajectory" or "are on a trajectory"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is on a trajectory" for singular subjects and "are on a trajectory" for plural subjects. For example, "The company is on a trajectory to success," but "Our teams are on a trajectory to exceed expectations."

What does it mean when something is "on a trajectory"?

When something is "on a trajectory", it means it is following a particular course or path, usually toward a specific outcome or destination. It implies a sense of direction and momentum. For example, a rocket "be on a trajectory" toward the moon.