chart a path

USAGE SUMMARY

"chart a path" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to setting a course for the future and creating a plan to reach one's goals, similar to "plotting a course." For example, "We need to chart a path that will allow us to reach our destination as quickly and efficiently as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Cayne has worked hard to chart a path to recovery.

The New York Times

And how can conservatives chart a path back to power after this month's Republican defeats?

The New York Times

Aleksandr Yakovenko, a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, praised Mr. Bush's effort to chart a path to peace.

The New York Times

Taken together, these holdings chart a path for the international community to counter the United States' veto power.

The New York Times

The challenge was to chart a path with a maximum of coverage and chronological accuracy and a minimum of backtracking.

The New York Times - Arts

The SDGs chart a path for eliminating poverty and securing a better life for all by 2030.

The Guardian

If we can chart a path to post-carbon economy, it will involve gaining a lot of other things.

The Guardian - Books

It sounded like a court that thought it had the responsibility to chart a path out of a political and legal morass.

The New York Times

A recent case will shape how the ExamWorks case unfolds and also chart a path for the future of merger litigation.

The New York Times

With so many of our landmarks in ruins, we can barely see where we are headed, let alone chart a path.

The Guardian

Many people said they had once been Orange supporters, and had hoped that the leadership in the past five years would chart a path toward integration with Europe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "chart a path" with a description of the method. E.g., "chart a collaborative path" or "chart a sustainable path" to give more information.

Common error

Avoid using "chart a path" in overly general situations where the direction or goal is unclear. Ensure there's a specific purpose or objective being pursued; otherwise, the phrase can sound cliché and lack impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chart a path" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used with a subject to describe the act of creating or defining a strategy or plan. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its practical application in various sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chart a path" is a common phrase used to describe the creation of a plan or strategy for achieving a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. It functions as a verbal phrase expressing the intention to plan proactively. When using this phrase, clarity is enhanced by specifying the intended outcome. For alternative expressions, consider "map a course" or "plot a strategy". Avoid overuse in vague contexts to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Map a course

Focuses on the route or direction taken, similar to navigation.

Plot a strategy

Emphasizes the detailed planning aspect, particularly in achieving a goal.

Lay out a plan

Highlights the act of creating a structured plan.

Design a roadmap

Suggests a detailed, step-by-step approach to achieve a specific outcome.

Forge a route

Implies overcoming obstacles and creating a new way forward.

Establish a course of action

Formal and emphasizes the process of setting up steps to be undertaken.

Develop a strategy

Focuses on the creation and refinement of a strategic approach.

Create a blueprint

Emphasizes the detailed design and structure of the plan.

Set a trajectory

Focuses on the direction and projected outcome of the plan.

Outline an approach

Highlights the act of defining a specific method or way of doing something.

FAQs

What does "chart a path" mean?

The phrase "chart a path" means to create a plan or strategy for achieving a specific goal or navigating a particular situation. It implies careful planning and foresight.

How can I use "chart a path" in a sentence?

You can use "chart a path" to describe how someone is planning for the future, like: "The company needs to "chart a path" to profitability" or "We must "chart a path" towards a more sustainable future".

What can I say instead of "chart a path"?

You can use alternatives like "map a course", "plot a strategy", or "lay out a plan" depending on the context.

Is "chart a path forward" redundant?

While "chart a path" already implies moving towards a goal, adding "forward" can emphasize the proactive nature of the planning. However, it's often unnecessary and can be omitted for conciseness.