be on the path

USAGE SUMMARY

"be on the path" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which someone is making progress or following a certain course of action. For example, "He has been on the path to success for many years and is finally seeing the results of his hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"By creating the opportunities needed for these children to be able to grow up healthy and realize their full potential, Iraq will once again be on the path to be one of the best countries in the region to be a child, which will accelerate a future that is stable and prosperous for all".

Unicef

As it happens, the scene is another summit of European leaders, this one about whether Ukraine and Georgia should be on the path to NATO membership.

The New Yorker

Start by focusing on funds in the cheapest or two cheapest quintiles, and you'll be on the path to success".

The New York Times

Had he not made a sacrifice on principle he might be well be on the path to becoming a bishop.

Independent

A little more than a decade ago, Apple, which had pushed out Mr. Jobs in 1985, was widely believed to be on the path to extinction.

The New York Times

"The Week the Women Went," though, appears to be on the path toward reinforcing the values it's ostensibly challenging — not much of an experiment at all.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"They are on the path of victory!" declares one poster.

Los Angeles Times

There's no persuasive evidence that they're on the path to becoming sentient beings".

The Guardian

"We are on the path to utopia.

The Guardian

"I am on the path of Syria, I am on the path of Aleppo".

The Guardian - Opinion

"They are on the path to very significant losses!" What?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be on the path" to suggest progress and forward momentum, not necessarily guaranteed arrival. It implies a direction more than a certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "be on the path" when the outcome is already guaranteed. The phrase implies a journey with potential obstacles, not a certain destination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on the path" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating a state of progression or direction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it suggests movement towards a specific goal or outcome, rather than a completed achievement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be on the path" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered verbal phrase used to express progress or direction toward a specific goal. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its usage extends across formal business and scientific domains as well. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase suggests ongoing effort and positive momentum, rather than a guaranteed outcome. Related phrases, such as "be on the road" or "be headed towards", offer nuanced alternatives for expressing similar ideas. When using "be on the path", ensure that the context implies a journey with potential obstacles, rather than a certainty. Its versatility and consistent application in authoritative sources make it a reliable choice for conveying a sense of forward movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be on the road

Focuses more on the physical aspect of progress or movement toward a goal.

be headed towards

Highlights direction and anticipation of a particular outcome.

be progressing towards

Emphasizes the act of making advancement towards something.

be advancing towards

Implies a more forceful or deliberate movement toward a goal.

be moving forward

A more general way to express progress, lacking a specific destination.

be making strides

Emphasizes significant or noticeable progress.

be getting closer to

Focuses on reducing the distance to a specific target or objective.

be approaching

Implies nearing a specific point or event in time or space.

be drawing near

Similar to approaching, but often used in a more formal or literary context.

be on course

Indicates that one is maintaining the correct trajectory to achieve a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "be on the path" in a sentence?

You can use "be on the path" to indicate progress towards a goal, like: "The company is "be on the path" to recovery after a difficult year."

What's a good alternative to "be on the path"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "be on the road", "be headed towards", or "be progressing towards".

Is it correct to say "being on the path"?

Yes, "being on the path" is grammatically correct, particularly when used as a gerund or part of a continuous tense. For example: "Being on the path to success requires dedication."

What does it mean to "be on the right path"?

To "be on the right path" means you're taking actions and making decisions that will lead you to a positive or desired outcome. It implies alignment with your goals and values.