defining a way forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining a way forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing strategies, plans, or solutions for future actions or directions in various contexts, such as business, personal development, or project management. Example: "In our meeting, we focused on defining a way forward to address the challenges we are currently facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

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

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

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

Use "defining a way forward" when you want to emphasize the process of creating or clarifying a strategic direction, especially after a period of uncertainty or change.

Common error

Avoid using "defining a way forward" as a generic statement without specifying concrete steps or goals. Always follow up with specific actions or strategies to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining a way forward" acts as a verbal phrase that sets the stage for problem-solving, strategy development, or decision-making. It encapsulates the intent to establish a clear path or plan. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defining a way forward" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the process of creating a strategic plan or direction, often in response to challenges or uncertainties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and used across various contexts, including news, business, and scientific domains. While the phrase is common, it's important to follow up with specific actions to avoid vague language. Alternatives like "establishing a direction" or "charting a course" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establishing a direction

Highlights setting a clear path or orientation.

charting a course

Emphasizes planning and navigation towards a goal.

formulating a plan

Involves developing a structured approach for future action.

creating a roadmap

Suggests a visual and strategic guide for achieving goals.

devising a strategy

Focuses on creating a detailed plan to achieve a specific aim.

mapping out a route

Implies creating a detailed and visualized path.

identifying solutions

Focuses on finding answers to problems, a component of moving forward.

carving a path

Implies overcoming obstacles to create a new opportunity.

setting an agenda

Highlights establishing priorities and intended actions.

laying the groundwork

Focuses on preparing the initial stages for future progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "defining a way forward" to describe the process of creating a plan or strategy to overcome challenges. For example: "The meeting focused on defining a way forward to improve team collaboration."

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

You can use alternatives like "establishing a direction", "formulating a plan", or "charting a course" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "defining a way forward" in formal writing?

"Defining a way forward" is suitable in formal writing when discussing strategic planning, problem-solving, or decision-making processes in business, academic, or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "defining a way forward" and "identifying a solution"?

"Defining a way forward" encompasses the broader process of creating a strategic plan, while "identifying a solution" focuses specifically on finding an answer to a problem. Defining a way forward often includes identifying multiple solutions and integrating them into a comprehensive strategy.