diverging paths

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "diverging paths" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations where two or more options or directions are becoming increasingly different or separate from one another. Example: "As we discussed our future plans, it became clear that our goals were leading us down diverging paths."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

But since 1980, the two groups have taken diverging paths.

The New York Times - Health

In recent years, they've taken organic farming down radically diverging paths.

The New Yorker

The disagreement reflects the diverging paths of the two cities that flank the falls.

The New York Times

Now, the results of these policies seem to be propelling their economies toward diverging paths.

The New York Times

Now, the result of these policies seem to be propelling their economies toward diverging paths.

The New York Times

These and many other religious traditions offered differing conceptions of bondage and diverging paths to moksha.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

For any values other than pi 0, the economy steps on diverging path which is inconsistent with the perfect foresight equilibrium.

Agricultural and Food Economics

She also discusses the fact that these types of choices -- ones that require you to decide which diverging path to take -- provide us with a chance to write our own scripts.

HuffPost

All that said, Mesaglio told me that these two approaches can't stay on diverged paths forever.

TechCrunch

The divisions within the G-20 reflect in part the diverging economic paths of its members.

The New York Times

Slope curvature affects flow patterns by converging or diverging flow paths along the hillslope.

Ecological Processes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diverging paths" to illustrate significant differences in direction, strategy, or outcomes between two or more entities. It works well when highlighting a critical decision point or a separation that has already occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "diverging paths" when a simpler phrase like "different directions" or "separate ways" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diverging paths" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or verb. Ludwig examples show it used to describe the separation of ideas, strategies, or individual lives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "diverging paths" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe situations where two or more entities are separating or taking different routes, strategies, or directions. As Ludwig AI indicated, its grammatical correctness and frequency of use across various contexts make it a strong choice for expressing such a concept. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, but also appears in scientific and academic writing. While there are simpler alternatives, "diverging paths" provides a nuanced way to highlight a significant separation or turning point. To ensure clarity, it is advised to avoid overusing the phrase when simpler alternatives like "different directions" would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

different paths

A simpler way of saying that paths are not the same.

differing paths

Similar to "different paths" but slightly more formal.

competing paths

Emphasizes the competitive nature of different directions.

contrasting paths

Emphasizes the differences when the paths are compared.

opposing paths

Highlights the contradictory nature of the different directions.

disparate paths

Highlights the significant difference between the paths.

drifting paths

Implies a gradual divergence over time.

varying paths

Indicates that the directions are different from each other.

separate routes

Focuses on the physical separation of the paths.

branching ways

Evokes the image of a tree with diverging branches.

FAQs

How can I use "diverging paths" in a sentence?

You can use "diverging paths" to describe situations where entities or individuals start to go in different directions, such as: "After the merger, the two companies found themselves on "diverging paths" regarding their business strategies."

What are some alternatives to "diverging paths"?

Alternatives include "different directions", "separate ways", "opposing views", or "competing interests", depending on the context.

What does it mean when two people are on "diverging paths"?

It typically means they have different goals, values, or priorities, leading them to make choices that take them in increasingly different directions. This can apply to personal relationships, careers, or any other aspect of life where individuals make choices about their future.

Is "diverging paths" a formal or informal expression?

"Diverging paths" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it tends to be more common in written communication and professional settings than in casual conversation. In casual settings, "separate ways" might be preferred.