blazing a trail

USAGE SUMMARY

"blazing a trail" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
This phrase means to be a leader in a particular field and create a new precedent for others to follow, so it can be used whenever the context requires that kind of meaning. For example, "The organization has been blazing a trail for the past five years, setting a new precedent for sustainability initiatives in their industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Blazing a trail?

Independent

Mondo wasn't blazing a trail.

The New York Times

We're blazing a trail!

The Guardian - Music

So much for blazing a trail.

Independent

"London should be blazing a trail," he says.

Independent

Biedermeier is blazing a trail in Los Angeles.

The New York Times

Next came Lace, blazing a trail for the following decade.

The Guardian

Two hours later, we're still blazing a trail.

The Guardian - Travel

Blazing a trail to the future is hazardous duty".

The New York Times

Nor are major emerging markets blazing a trail toward better governance.

The New York Times

China Goes Shopping China's conquistadores are blazing a trail into South America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context. If the emphasis is on paving the way for others, rather than simply being first, "blazing a trail" is a great fit. If the context is about mentoring or instruction, "showing the way" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "blazing a trail" when the context involves simply following an established path or making incremental improvements. This phrase is most effective when highlighting truly novel and groundbreaking actions, not routine progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blazing a trail" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe pioneering efforts and innovation. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often appears when discussing individuals or organizations introducing novel concepts or methods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blazing a trail" is an idiomatic expression signifying pioneering innovation and the setting of new standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media. The analysis reveals that while the phrase is commonly employed to highlight groundbreaking achievements, it's essential to ensure the context involves genuine innovation rather than routine progress. Alternatives like "pioneering the way" or "leading the charge" can be considered for nuanced contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pioneering the way

Focuses on being the first to explore or develop something, emphasizing exploration.

leading the charge

Emphasizes taking initiative and being at the forefront of an endeavor, often with a sense of purpose or urgency.

forging a path

Suggests creating opportunities or solutions where none previously existed, highlighting ingenuity.

setting a precedent

Highlights the act of establishing a standard or norm that others will follow, focusing on impact.

breaking ground

Implies innovation and starting something new, especially in a literal or figurative sense.

opening doors

Conveys creating opportunities for oneself and others, emphasizing access and empowerment.

taking the initiative

Emphasizes proactive action and a willingness to lead, regardless of whether it's a new direction.

charting new territory

Implies exploring unfamiliar areas, whether literal or metaphorical.

leading the pack

Focuses on outperforming others in a competitive setting.

showing the way

Indicates guiding others through example or instruction, prioritizing mentorship.

FAQs

How can I use "blazing a trail" in a sentence?

You can use "blazing a trail" to describe someone or something that is innovative and setting a new standard. For example, "The company is "blazing a trail" in sustainable energy."

What are some alternatives to "blazing a trail"?

Alternatives include "pioneering the way", "leading the charge", or "forging a path". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "blazing a trail" the same as "following a trail"?

No, "blazing a trail" means creating a new path, while "following a trail" means adhering to an existing one. They are opposite in meaning.

What makes "blazing a trail" different from "setting a precedent"?

"Blazing a trail" emphasizes the act of creating something new and innovative, while "setting a precedent" focuses on establishing a standard for others to follow. The former implies more originality.