defining a path forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining a path forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which you are developing a plan to move ahead and make progress. For example, "The team has begun the process of defining a path forward to improve the company's efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Environmental Health

Forbes

Harvard Business Review

The New York Times

Columbia University

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The final session focused on defining a path forward, including integration of the obesogen/metabolic disruptor hypothesis into mainstream science.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Once you have a better handle on what's dragging you down at work, you'll be better equipped to define a path forward.

Forbes

Drawing on a wealth of stories about individuals who have successfully transitioned out of impasses, "Getting Unstuck" provides a practical, authoritative road map for moving past your immediate impasse--and defining a meaningful path forward.

Harvard Business Review

But Mr. Romney did not define a clear path forward.

The New York Times

We help our students define a unique path forward, and then connect them in multidimensional, personalized ways to the resources, people, organizations and fulfilling opportunities that will proactively enable them to transforms their visions to realities.

Columbia University

Fortunately, we have a path forward.

The New York Times

There is a path forward.

The Guardian

That suggests there is a path forward.

Yale University

These leading companies suggest a path forward.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For giving us a path forward.

The Guardian - Opinion

"All this was was a path forward.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defining a path forward", ensure the context clearly indicates what the current situation is and what the desired outcome or goal is. This provides clarity and purpose to the path being defined.

Common error

Avoid using "defining a path forward" in vague or abstract contexts. Without specific goals or objectives, the phrase becomes meaningless. Instead, ensure you articulate the specific challenges or opportunities that necessitate defining the path.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining a path forward" functions as a verbal phrase used to describe the process of creating a plan or strategy for future action. This involves identifying goals, outlining steps, and setting a course to achieve a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase indicates active planning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defining a path forward" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes the process of creating a plan or strategy for future action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news, academic, and professional contexts, indicating its suitability for discussions about strategic planning and proactive problem-solving. Alternatives such as "charting a course of action" or "establishing a strategic plan" can be used to add variety to your writing. Remember to provide sufficient context to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity in your communication. Key sources include The New York Times, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

charting a course of action

Focuses on the planning and navigation aspect.

outlining a course to follow

Stresses the clarity and structure of the outlined course.

establishing a strategic plan

Emphasizes the strategic and structured nature of the plan.

formulating a strategy for progress

Focuses on the formulation and development of the strategy.

mapping out a strategy for growth

Focuses on planning and visualizing a strategy that fosters growth.

creating a roadmap for success

Highlights the step-by-step guidance towards achieving a goal.

developing a future-oriented approach

Emphasizes the forward-thinking and proactive nature of the approach.

devising a method for advancement

Highlights the ingenuity and inventiveness in creating the method.

setting out a plan of attack

Implies a proactive and decisive approach.

conceiving a blueprint for advancement

Implies a detailed and well-thought-out plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "defining a path forward" to describe the process of creating a plan for future action, such as "The company is currently "defining a path forward" to increase market share".

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

Some alternatives include "charting a course of action", "establishing a strategic plan", or "creating a roadmap for success", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "defining a path forward" or "finding a path forward"?

The choice depends on the context. "Defining a path forward" implies creating or developing a plan, while "finding a path forward" suggests discovering an existing solution or route. Use ""defining a path forward"" when actively creating a plan and "finding a path forward" when seeking an existing solution.

What's the difference between "defining a path forward" and "planning a strategy"?

"Defining a path forward" is broader, encompassing the overall direction and steps to move ahead. "Planning a strategy" focuses specifically on the strategic elements and tactics involved in achieving a particular goal. You "define a path forward" and plan a strategy to achieve that path.