clearing the path for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clearing the path for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of making something easier or removing obstacles for someone or something to proceed. Example: "The new policy is aimed at clearing the path for innovative startups to thrive in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Ms. Rubell said that she was "clearing the path for what lies ahead".

The New York Times

The smiling surveyor quietly sizes up the territory, clearing the path for a resource grab.

The New York Times - Books

It forced Leko to jettison his e pawn to save his queen, clearing the path for White's two center pawns.

The New York Times

She was defeated by Museveni's troops in 1988 and fled to Kenya, clearing the path for Kony.

The Guardian

The Senate approved Mr. McConnell's move on Tuesday, clearing the path for the bill's final passage on Thursday.

The New York Times

While Liz Kendall is reported to have urged Yvette Cooper to stand down clearing the path for Andy Burnham to win.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Rip Engle cleared the path for Joe Paterno in 1964.

The New York Times - Sports

Increasing the bid could clear the path for Sprint and Softbank to get down to business.

The New York Times

Actually, a few things happen, which clears the path for Harry's righteous wrath.

The New York Times

Then he shortened one of the car's seats to clear the path for rotating legs.

The New York Times

This clears the path for the largest municipal bankruptcy in American history.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clearing the path for", ensure that the subsequent action or event is clearly defined to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "clearing the path for" when the action only simplifies a process slightly, instead of fundamentally enabling a new possibility or outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clearing the path for" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to introduce a clause explaining how an action facilitates a future outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

5%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clearing the path for" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes facilitating future actions or outcomes. It's grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like ""paving the way for"" and "making way for" exist, "clearing the path for" offers a clear and accessible way to express the removal of obstacles or creation of opportunities. When using this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring that the subsequent action is well-defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paving the way for

This alternative suggests making preparations that ensure future success or ease of progress.

making way for

This alternative indicates creating space or opportunity for something else to happen.

opening the door for

Suggests creating an initial opportunity or possibility.

facilitating the progress of

More formal, emphasizes making progress easier.

preparing the ground for

Implies careful preparation and setting the stage for future events.

setting the stage for

Emphasizes creating a suitable environment for something to occur.

smoothing the progress of

Suggests removing obstacles to make advancement easier.

expediting the advancement of

More formal, focuses on accelerating progress.

aiding the development of

Highlights supporting the growth or evolution of something.

promoting the success of

Focuses on actions that increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "clearing the path for" in a sentence?

You can use "clearing the path for" to describe actions that remove obstacles or create opportunities for something else. For example, "The new regulations are aimed at "paving the way for" innovation in the tech industry".

What are some alternatives to "clearing the path for"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""paving the way for"", "making way for", or "opening the door for", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is there a more formal way to say "clearing the path for"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "facilitating the progress of" or "expediting the advancement of", which are suitable for business or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "clearing the path for" and "making way for"?

"Clearing the path for" often implies removing obstacles, while "making way for" suggests creating space or opportunity, though they are often used interchangeably.