chart a path forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chart a path forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to suggest that instead of looking back at the past, one should move ahead and take action to reach a goal. For example, "We have faced many challenges, but we need to chart a path forward and make sure our plans are successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

(Ryan's plan expresses concern about the future stability of Social Security and decrees that "both parties must work together to chart a path forward on common-sense reforms").

The New York Times

I also certainly hoped for, but could not have predicted, the willingness of global leaders to come together so eagerly to chart a path forward to solve the climate crisis this past December.

The Guardian

September will be the fifth anniversary of the financial crisis that underscored that recession, and White House officials said Mr. Obama wanted to take stock of the economy's recovery and chart a path forward.

The New York Times

Even as he and his fellow Republicans tried to chart a path forward, Mr. Boehner said Thursday that he was seeing signs that President Obama and Congressional Democrats failed to realize that Republican gains in Congress resulted from a potent backlash against the Democratic agenda.

The New York Times

Ayman Nour, a longtime opponent of Mr. Mubarak's, called it a victory for the revolution, while youthful leaders, some of whom met in downtown Cairo on Sunday night to chart a path forward in negotiations with the military, described it as a concrete step. 1 2 Next Page » Kareem Fahim, Mona El-Naggar and Liam Stack contributed reporting.

The New York Times

Google wants to really hammer down on design this year, and Quantum plus Polymer look like the best possible candidates to help it chart a path forward.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Because I'd worked with Yellowstone many times over the years to provide philanthropic contributions of Toyota vehicles to support park operations, I saw this as an opportunity to do the right thing for Yellowstone while also charting a path forward for Toyota's operations.

The Guardian

Charting a Path Forward That model, as it turns out, is where Iskenderian is pushing WWB to go.

Forbes

Thus far, nobody in the race has charted a path forward for the party beyond vague commitments to better organizing at the state and local level.

Huffington Post

Cortines, 83, returned from retirement with a pragmatic focus: fixing the records system and charting a path forward on technology after a disastrous, now-abandoned effort to provide iPads to every student, teacher and campus administrator.

Los Angeles Times

No clearer indication than the recent bungling of the health care issue needs to be drawn out to show that you will need to play a bigger role in charting a path forward.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chart a path forward", ensure the context clearly indicates a desire to move beyond current challenges and proactively shape the future. It's effective for signaling a proactive approach to problem-solving and planning.

Common error

While versatile, "chart a path forward" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "plan ahead" or "figure out what's next" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chart a path forward" functions as a verb phrase that typically calls for planning and strategizing for future action. It highlights the act of creating a plan and can be followed by a description of the intended outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chart a path forward" is a phrase used to describe the act of planning and strategizing for future actions, particularly after overcoming challenges. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and suitable for written English. It's most commonly found in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While grammatically sound, it’s advisable to avoid overusing it in informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. Overall, it’s a versatile and effective phrase for expressing proactive planning and strategic thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

map out a course of action

Uses 'map out' to indicate detailed planning, similar in scope but different in wording.

formulate a plan

Focuses on the process of creating a detailed plan or strategy.

design a roadmap

Implies a visual and strategic plan for future activities.

create a plan of action

Emphasizes the creation of a detailed plan, suggesting immediate steps.

craft a strategy

Emphasizes skillful creation of a strategy, similar to planning but with a creative nuance.

develop a strategy

Focuses on the creation of a strategic plan, omitting the 'moving forward' aspect.

establish a game plan

Uses a more informal tone, suggesting a strategic approach to achieve a goal.

devise a scheme

Suggests a more inventive or elaborate plan, potentially with hidden aspects.

lay the groundwork

Highlights the preparatory actions needed before progressing.

set the stage

Suggests preparing for future events or developments, differing from active planning.

FAQs

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

You can use "chart a path forward" to describe the process of creating a plan to achieve a goal, especially after overcoming challenges. For example, "After the crisis, the company needed to "develop a strategy" to regain its market share."

What are some alternatives to "chart a path forward"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "create a plan of action", "map out a course of action", or simply "plan ahead".

Is "chart a path forward" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "chart a path forward" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business, academic, and news contexts. It conveys a sense of strategic planning and proactive problem-solving.

What is the difference between "chart a path forward" and "set the stage"?

"Chart a path forward" implies active planning and creating a strategy for future action. "Set the stage", on the other hand, means preparing for future events or developments, without necessarily implying a concrete plan.