career paths

USAGE SUMMARY

"career paths" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the different paths or routes someone can take in their career or profession. For example, "In the teaching profession, there are many different career paths to explore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Career paths.

The New York Times

Career paths firmed.

The New York Times

Potential workers choose more promising career paths.

The New York Times - Magazine

Entire career paths are closed off.

The New York Times

"Career paths are not linear," she said.

The New York Times

Elite colleges act as gateways to the best career paths.

The New York Times

Career paths, licensing and perfumes were not on the radar.

The New York Times

Two different career paths but there are similarities.

The New York Times

A module called "related companies" displays typical career paths.

The New York Times - Tech

They are technically free to carve their own career paths.

The New York Times - Sports

A few years apart, they followed similar career paths.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing broad career options, use "career paths" to emphasize the variety of possible directions. For example, "The university offers guidance on various "career paths" available to graduates."

Common error

Avoid using "career paths" when you actually mean "career goals". "Career paths" refers to the sequence of jobs and roles one might hold, while "career goals" refers to the desired end state or achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "career paths" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the various routes or trajectories an individual can take in their professional life. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "career paths" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to the various routes one can take in their professional life. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase. It appears frequently in news, science, and business contexts, highlighting its broad applicability. When using this phrase, be mindful of distinguishing it from "career goals", which represents the desired outcome rather than the journey. Considering alternative phrases like "professional trajectories" or "employment routes" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

professional trajectories

Focuses on the progression and direction of one's career, emphasizing movement over time.

employment routes

Highlights the different ways individuals navigate the job market to achieve their career goals.

career progression

Emphasizes the upward movement and advancement within a chosen field.

professional development

Focuses on the skills and knowledge gained throughout a career.

career options

Highlights choices and possibilities available to an individual.

job prospects

Concentrates on potential future employment opportunities.

work streams

Describes a series of related tasks or activities that contribute to professional growth.

vocational avenues

Emphasizes the practical skills and training associated with specific careers.

professional pursuits

Focuses on activities and interests that drive career choices.

life's work

Indicates a long-term dedication to a particular career or field.

FAQs

How can I use "career paths" in a sentence?

You can use "career paths" to discuss different routes individuals take in their professional lives. For instance, "The company provides resources to help employees explore various "career paths" within the organization."

What are some alternatives to "career paths"?

Some alternatives include "professional trajectories", "employment routes", or "career progression" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "career paths" and "career goals"?

"Career paths" refers to the sequence of jobs and roles someone might hold, while "career goals" refers to the desired end state. One describes the journey, the other the destination.

Is it correct to say "career path" instead of "career paths"?

Yes, "career path" can be used to refer to a singular route or direction in one's professional life, while "career paths" refers to multiple or various potential routes.