define a way forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define a way forward" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to establish or create a plan or solution for moving forward or making progress. Example: The team gathered to discuss the project and define a way forward. After much brainstorming and debate, they were able to come up with a clear strategy for completing the project successfully within the given timeline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Monday's events spoke to the struggle on all sides to define a way forward and restore some sense of unity, both within Britain and throughout Europe.

The New York Times

But I think USA Rugby is now starting to get a handle on that and to define a way forward for the sport".

The Guardian - Sport

Last week, only a couple of wiry cyclists in spandex lolled under shady trees at the summit of the pass, but it was hard not to imagine Republican ghosts passing this same way in rags, never knowing what their future would hold — much as European leaders seem at a loss now to define a way forward.

The New York Times

"We are committed to a better and fairer way forward, we don't believe Haass has cracked it, but it's up to Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness to define a way forward for these talks," he added.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Once again, I would like to stress that the eurozone is drawing lessons from the past and defining a way forward, not backwards, in terms of integration.

The Guardian - Business

In the past seven days two extraordinary events have taken place that define a new way forward in British cultural and artistic life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Finally, recent findings revealing a benefit from adding the mTOR inhibitor everolimus to endocrine treatment indicate targeted therapy against defined growth factor pathways to be a way forward, by reversing acquired resistance to endocrine therapy.

Endocrine-Related Cancer

A way forward is to define a scientific 'paradigm' [20] as comprising the scientific papers that were in some way inspired by a certain highly-influential paper.

Plosone

Is there a way forward?

The New York Times

Some serious writers show a way forward.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, the president has a way forward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define a way forward", ensure that the subsequent steps or actions are clearly articulated to provide concrete direction.

Common error

Avoid using "define a way forward" without outlining the specifics of that way. A clear and actionable plan should follow the definition to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define a way forward" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a verbal complement to express the action of establishing a plan or strategy. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "define a way forward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for establishing a plan or strategy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples from diverse sources such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts demonstrate its versatility. While alternatives like "establish a path forward" or "develop a plan" exist, "define a way forward" remains a clear and effective choice. A best practice is to ensure the defined way is clearly articulated, avoiding vagueness. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a path forward

Uses 'establish' instead of 'define' and 'path' instead of 'way', emphasizing creation.

determine a course of action

Replaces the more general 'way forward' with the more specific 'course of action'.

identify a strategy

Focuses on the strategic aspect of finding a direction.

develop a plan

Highlights the planning aspect of moving forward.

chart a route

Uses a more metaphorical and directional term.

devise a solution

Emphasizes problem-solving.

formulate a method

Highlights the creation of a specific method.

find a resolution

Focuses on resolving an issue to progress.

discover an approach

Emphasizes the discovery of an approach rather than its creation.

create a roadmap

Uses the term "roadmap" to define a strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "define a way forward" in a sentence?

Use "define a way forward" when you need to establish a plan or strategy for future progress. For instance, "After the initial setback, the team needed to define a way forward to meet the project deadline".

What are some alternatives to "define a way forward"?

You can use alternatives such as "establish a path forward", "determine a course of action", or "develop a plan" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "define a way forward" or "identify a way forward"?

"Define a way forward" implies creating or establishing a plan, while "identify a way forward" suggests recognizing an existing plan. The best choice depends on whether you are creating something new or recognizing something that already exists.

What is the difference between "defining a way forward" and "defining a path forward"?

While similar, "way" is more general, while "path" implies a more structured or linear progression. "Defining a path forward" suggests a more precise and directed route.