best path forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best path forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the most effective or advantageous course of action in a given situation. Example: "After reviewing all the options, we believe that the best path forward is to invest in new technology to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Other Republicans said it was the best path forward.

The Guardian

So despite "expert" wisdom, I've decided the best path forward is denial.

The New York Times

"I promise to take the best path forward for Japan's national interest," he said.

The New York Times

The software strategy, analysts say, does seem to be Loudcloud's best path forward.

The New York Times

Alpha believes the settlements announced today provide the best path forward for everyone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Years ago, though, it was by no means evident that the statistical approach was the best path forward.

The New York Times - Science

"In general, that has involved trying to build consensus in various areas and trying to identify the best path forward.

The New York Times

… the executive team has been working to determine the best path forward for this highly respected software.

The Guardian - Tech

We're going to try to reach our own judgment on what would be the best path forward".

The New York Times

In this stage, which is already under way, they hope to persuade party insiders that they represent the best path forward for Republicans in 2016.

The New York Times

We believe cut, cap and balance represents the best path forward, and we are looking forward to the House vote on it tomorrow".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "best path forward" when comparing multiple options and highlighting the superiority of one in achieving a specific objective. Use it to convey confidence in a chosen strategy.

Common error

Avoid using "best path forward" when the situation lacks a clear objective or when alternatives haven't been thoroughly evaluated. Using it prematurely can weaken its impact and appear unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best path forward" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically sound. It identifies a specific course of action deemed most favorable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "best path forward" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the most effective course of action, as validated by Ludwig. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it's best used when a clear objective is defined. Alternatives include "optimal course of action" or "most effective strategy". Ludwig's examples show consistent usage across credible sources, indicating its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best course of action to take

Adds emphasis on the aspect of taking action

optimal course of action

Emphasizes the idea of the most desirable action to take.

most advantageous plan

Highlights the benefits and positive outcomes.

most effective strategy

Focuses on the strategic aspect of achieving a goal.

ideal way to proceed

Highlights the concept of moving forward in an ideal manner.

wisest decision

Suggests prudence and careful consideration.

preferred route

Implies a selection among different routes or options.

recommended course

Implies endorsement or suggestion by an authority.

right approach

Focuses on correctness and suitability.

suggested approach

Focuses on the element of suggestion, often open to discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "best path forward" in a sentence?

The phrase "best path forward" is used to describe the most advantageous or effective way to proceed in a given situation. For example, "After careful consideration, we believe that investing in renewable energy is the "best path forward" for our company".

What are some alternatives to "best path forward"?

Alternatives to "best path forward" include "optimal course of action", "most effective strategy", or "ideal way to proceed" depending on the specific context.

Is "best path forward" a formal or informal expression?

"Best path forward" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in business, news, and general discussions to indicate the recommended or most effective way to proceed.

What makes a path the "best path forward"?

The "best path forward" is determined by various factors, including efficiency, cost-effectiveness, feasibility, and alignment with overall goals. It implies a comprehensive evaluation of available options to identify the most promising approach.