could go astray

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could go astray" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something may deviate from the intended path or outcome, often in a cautionary context. Example: "If we don't follow the plan closely, our project could go astray."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

There were so many ways the journey could go astray.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's easy to imagine how a cell lacking such a tower could go astray.

Stanford University

I say this not to justify it, but to highlight how clear the danger signs were that justice could go astray.

University of California, Berkeley

But some of those groups oppose accomplishing that through use as fuel in civilian reactors because that would involve a form of commerce in which it could go astray, they say.

The New York Times

Even the accounts of villagers bore little resemblance to those of NATO and American officials — and suggested just how badly things could go astray in an unfamiliar land where cultural misunderstandings quickly turn violent.

The New York Times

"All 23 launched missiles reached their designated targets, whose coordinates do not coincide with those of the plane". However, independent military analyst Alexander I. Zhilin, a retired Russian air force colonel, said a missile theoretically could go astray after reaching its target.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Some who volunteer, he said, could easily go astray so far from home.

The New York Times

Where the plan could go dangerously astray is if the administration bases it on wishful thinking — specifically, that tax-cutting will pay for itself.

The Washington Post

"Staff may not wish to mention these events," they write, "and their recall may not be accurate". Gale and Mulley also concluded that "crematoria staff rely on accurate and complete cremation forms" – but that the information-gathering/reporting process could, and often did, go astray.

The Guardian

But test results have been discouraging, and most of the interceptors are believed to have faulty circuit boards that could cause them to go astray.

Los Angeles Times

Should he go astray, he could return to these base camps and start out again, he says.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could go astray" when you want to express a possibility of deviation from a correct or intended course. It often implies a warning or cautionary note.

Common error

While "could go astray" is suitable for many situations, it might sound slightly informal in highly formal or technical writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "may deviate" or "might be compromised" for such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could go astray" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential for something to deviate from its intended path or correct course. It often serves as a warning or cautionary statement, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could go astray" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the possibility of something deviating from its intended course. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. While versatile, it's important to consider more formal alternatives for strictly technical writing. Remembering these nuances will help ensure effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might go wrong

This alternative focuses on the possibility of an error or failure occurring.

may deviate

This alternative suggests a departure from a planned route or expected behavior.

could be misguided

This phrase emphasizes the potential for incorrect guidance or judgment.

might get lost

This option highlights the risk of becoming disoriented or losing direction, either literally or figuratively.

may be compromised

This suggests a risk of being weakened or corrupted, affecting the intended outcome.

could turn sour

This highlights the possibility of a situation becoming unpleasant or undesirable.

might fall apart

This implies a risk of disintegration or failure, especially in plans or projects.

may be corrupted

This highlights the potential for something to become morally or functionally impure.

could be derailed

This alternative indicates the possibility of being diverted from the intended path or objective.

might be subverted

This suggests the risk of being undermined or overturned, often in a clandestine manner.

FAQs

How can I use "could go astray" in a sentence?

You can use "could go astray" to express the possibility that something might deviate from its intended course or outcome. For example, "If we don't follow the instructions carefully, the experiment "could go astray"".

What are some alternatives to "could go astray"?

Alternatives include "might go wrong", "may deviate", or "could be misguided", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "could go astray" formal or informal?

"Could go astray" is generally considered to be neutral in tone, suitable for both general and professional contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in strictly academic or technical writing.

What's the difference between "could go astray" and "might fail"?

"Could go astray" implies a deviation from the intended path, while "might fail" suggests a complete lack of success. The former focuses on the process, the latter on the ultimate outcome. For example, "The project "could go astray" if we don't manage the resources effectively" versus "The project "might fail" due to lack of funding".