chose a different path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chose a different path" is not correct; it should be "chose a different path." You can use it when discussing decisions or life choices that diverge from a previously established route or plan.
Example: "After much consideration, she chose a different path and decided to pursue her passion for art instead of following her family's expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

But he chose a different path.

The Economist

And yet they chose a different path.

The New York Times

But the ANC chose a different path".

The Guardian

"Our fathers chose a different path".

The New York Times - Books

Then in 1949, the Chinese nation chose a different path.

The New York Times

The family of another tribal member, Roberta O. Hunter, chose a different path.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Mailer, though, had chosen a different path.

The New York Times - Books

You could choose a different path.

The Guardian

Esquire has simply chosen a different path.

The Guardian

But Ms. McKean has chosen a different path at Wordnik.

The New York Times

They have chosen a different path and people in Scotland will judge them on that.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chose a different path" to clearly indicate a conscious decision to deviate from an expected or previously followed course of action. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "choose a different path" instead of "chose a different path" when referring to a past decision. "Chose" is the correct past tense form of "choose".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chose a different path" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate decision to pursue an alternative course of action. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's frequently used to describe significant life choices or deviations from expected norms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chose a different path" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a deliberate decision to take an alternative course of action. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific and wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral register. Ludwig also highlights that the phrase is used to convey a turning point or significant change in direction. While the phrase is deemed correct, it's important to remember that "chose" is the past tense of "choose". Alternatives to this phrase include "opted for another route" and "took an alternate direction".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opted for another route

Emphasizes a deliberate selection of an alternative course.

selected an alternative route

Highlights the selection process of a different route or method.

took an alternate direction

Focuses on changing the direction or approach.

decided on a new course

Highlights the decision to pursue a different course of action.

pursued an alternative approach

Suggests actively following a different method.

went down a separate road

Uses a metaphorical 'road' to indicate a divergent path.

diverged onto another track

Similar to 'road', but with a sense of branching off.

embraced a different strategy

Implies a conscious adoption of a new strategy.

adopted a different tactic

Focuses on the implementation of a new tactic to achieve a goal.

veered towards a new direction

Suggests a slight deviation leading to a different outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "chose a different path" in a sentence?

You can use "chose a different path" to describe someone's decision to take an alternative approach. For example, "Instead of going to college, she "chose a different path" and started her own business."

What's a good alternative to "chose a different path"?

Alternatives include "opted for another route", "took an alternate direction", or "decided on a new course", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "choose a different path" when referring to a past decision?

No, when referring to a past decision, the correct form is "chose a different path". "Choose" is the present tense, while "chose" is the past tense.

What is the difference between "chose a different path" and "took a different approach"?

"Chose a different path" implies a more significant life decision or change in direction, while "took a different approach" suggests altering the method or strategy used to achieve a specific goal.