embark on a path

USAGE SUMMARY

"embark on a path" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to mean starting or beginning a new journey, course of action, or pursuit. Example: After years of working in corporate finance, she decided to embark on a path to become a yoga instructor.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

To encounter one's divine double is to embark on a path of deification that closes the gap between image and archetype, human and divine.

Harvard University

"Otherwise," he said, "this government will embark on a path of destruction".

The New York Times

To ensure a new future with both jobs and development, African governments will have to embark on a path down which few have so far ventured.

The New York Times

Wie, who as a 14-year-old was unfairly compared to Tiger Woods, decided to embark on a path Woods would admire.

The New York Times - Sports

"We need to have a commitment that after a couple of quarters of G.D.P. growth that we will embark on a path," he said about the gross domestic product, "to reduce spending to get our budget in balance".

The New York Times

The rationale for the surveillance was outlined in a report, "Radicalization in the West," published by the Intelligence Division, which suggested that sites where Muslim men congregate could be "incubators," encouraging people to embark on a path from "preradicalization" to "jihadization".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

For better or for worse — for better and for worse — India was embarking on a path that has today made it one of the world's most unabashedly capitalist places.

The New York Times

Mr. Cheney embarked on a path that shamed and weakened the nation and its Constitution.

The New York Times

The Fed, meanwhile, has embarked on a path of tightening monetary policy by raising rates.

The Washington Post

That desire consumed him from a very young age, when he embarked on a path of relentless achievement.

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed, Khatami seemed embarked on a path that would put him in the same pantheon as Nelson Mandela and Václav Havel.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "embark on a path" when you want to convey a sense of purposeful beginning, especially when the 'path' represents a significant life change, career shift, or a major project. It adds a touch of formality and intention to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "embark on a path" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in settings where simpler language would be more appropriate. Consider using phrases like "start" or "begin" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embark on a path" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a journey or course of action. As indicated by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable expression in English. The examples show its use in diverse contexts such as career changes and political reforms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embark on a path" is a grammatically correct phrase that signifies the beginning of a new journey or course of action. While not overly common, as evidenced by Ludwig, it is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news, academia, and scientific writing. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. When writing, consider the context and aim for clarity, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Related phrases like "begin a journey" or "start a course of action" can provide alternative ways to express a similar idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin a journey

Focuses on the start of a literal or figurative journey.

start a course of action

Emphasizes the initiation of a specific plan or strategy.

set out on a venture

Implies a bold or risky undertaking.

commence a process

Highlights the formal beginning of a series of actions.

initiate a strategy

Specifically refers to the launch of a planned approach.

undertake a mission

Suggests a task with a specific goal or purpose.

launch an initiative

Emphasizes the public introduction of a new project.

take the first step

Stresses the initial action in a longer process.

head down the road

Informal way to express initiating a course of action or pursuing a goal.

start out

Simple phrase to define starting something.

FAQs

How can I use "embark on a path" in a sentence?

You can use "embark on a path" to describe starting a new journey, career, or significant project. For example, "After graduating, she decided to "embark on a path" in environmental conservation".

What does "embark on a path" mean?

"Embark on a path" means to begin a new course of action, journey, or way of life, often one that is significant or requires considerable effort.

What are some alternatives to "embark on a path"?

Alternatives include "begin a journey", "start a course of action", or "set out on a venture", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "embark on a path" in formal writing?

Yes, "embark on a path" is suitable for formal writing. It adds a level of sophistication and indicates a deliberate and purposeful start to something significant.