determine a path forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"determine a path forward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of making a plan for how to proceed or to reach a goal. For example, "We had a difficult conversation, but we were able to determine a path forward to reach a resolution by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Trump told Interior and Agriculture to partner with states to determine a path forward.

The Washington Post

"However, it's early days and the government is just beginning the work to determine a path forward.

The Guardian

The company has requested a meeting with NASA to learn more about why it was dropped from the competition, and said it "will determine a path forward after that debrief is completed," she said.

The Washington Post

It embraces the idea that we need to experiment and try things in order to learn and determine a path forward.

Forbes

Operational intelligence holds that as patterns and important events are recognized, then people, often from different communities, will want to work together to figure out what is happening and determine a path forward.

Forbes

The president reiterated throughout the news conference that he would continue to hold discussions with Congress to determine a path forward.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Congress has an important role to play, and our first task is to get all the facts". UPDATE, 6 50 p.m. -- The task force determined a path forward in a meeting later Tuesday, according to an aide for House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif ., who paR-Calif .d in the meeting along whoh several committee chairs.

HuffPost

We'll dig deep into the differing motivations, philosophies and objectives of conservatives and liberals in order to determine whether a path forward together is possible.

University of Chicago

By not being able to talk to Mr. Chen in person, the administration was unable to determine a precise path forward for him, a senior official said.

The New York Times

— Ron Paul, on Twitter "I've decided to return to Texas to assess the results of tonight's caucus, determine whether there is a path forward for myself in this race".

The New Yorker

Shortly before midnight, the benighted Texan Governor appeared before the cameras to announce he was returning home to "determine whether there is a path forward for me in this race".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal documents, follow "determine a path forward" with a concise explanation of the proposed path. This reinforces the plan's credibility and demonstrates strategic thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "determine a path forward" without specifying how the path will be determined or what factors will influence the decision. Lack of specifics can undermine the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine a path forward" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, often used to express the intention or necessity of creating a plan. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "determine a path forward" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that signifies the process of making a plan or deciding on a strategy for future action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. As demonstrated by examples, its frequent appearance in news media, business, and academic contexts signifies its adaptability across diverse registers. It is appropriate to specify in your writing the 'how' and the 'what' influencing this decision, ensuring context and clarity for the reader. Alternatives such as "devise a strategy", "establish a plan of action", and "chart a course of action" offer similar meaning but with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devise a strategy

Focuses on creating a detailed plan.

establish a plan of action

Emphasizes the creation and implementation of a plan.

chart a course of action

Suggests a navigational approach to planning.

formulate a plan

Highlights the act of creating a structured plan.

figure out next steps

Implies identifying the immediate actions needed.

decide on a course of action

Focuses on making a decision regarding the course.

develop a roadmap

Uses a visual metaphor for planning a detailed route.

identify solutions

Highlights finding resolutions to problems.

map out a strategy

Suggests creating a visual or comprehensive plan.

set objectives

Emphasizes defining specific goals to achieve.

FAQs

What does "determine a path forward" mean?

It means to decide on a plan or strategy for moving ahead, especially when facing challenges or uncertainty. It involves assessing the current situation, considering options, and choosing the best course of action.

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

You can use it to describe a process of decision-making and planning. For example, "After the merger, the board met to "determine a path forward" for the new company."

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

Alternatives include "devise a strategy", "establish a plan of action", or "chart a course of action", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "determine a path forward"?

It's appropriate when a decision needs to be made about future actions, particularly in situations involving complexity, uncertainty, or the need to overcome obstacles. It suits formal and professional contexts.