embark on the path

USAGE SUMMARY

"embark on the path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to beginning a course of action, usually a difficult or challenging journey. For example, "She decided to embark on the path of entrepreneurship and started her own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

However, since the majority of the country finds it necessary to celebrate a child mastering the art of snack-time and finger-painting, I have written a commencement letter to all the little ones about to embark on the path to elementary school.

Huffington Post

John Joseph had fallen in with the Hare Krishna movement, and, as a consequence, the lyrics he delivered were faintly spiritual (he urged listeners to embark on "the path of righteousness"), though firmly anti-idealistic: one refrain was "World peace!

The New Yorker

At the start of the second semester you will choose a faculty adviser and embark on the path to innovation.

Princeton University

It raises questions about why Haiti seems to stagger from crisis to crisis as it tries to embark on the path to democracy.

The New York Times

"I urge North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions without delay and embark on the path to peace and shared development".

The Guardian

Today 90 students will launch the journey that transforms them into physicians, while an additional 27 embark on the path to becoming physician assistants.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Think of it this way: you may end up pursuing a wrong path, but the sooner you embark on that path, the quicker you can learn your error and set it right.

WikiHow

The country has already embarked on the path to a different kind of economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Politicians might come to regret embarking on the path of transparency.Above all, there is the fear that these declarations will further personalise politics.

The Economist

He has to be if he graduated from Brother Rice High School, a South Side citadel of learning where several scholars I know first embarked on the path to true knowledge.

The New York Times

To the north, Americans were beginning to confront their own legacy of racial injustice, embarking on the path that, three decades later, led to the destruction of Jim Crow.

University of Pennsylvania

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "embark on the path" to convey a sense of commitment and anticipation when starting a new, potentially challenging endeavor. This phrase adds a layer of depth and seriousness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "embark on the path" when a simpler phrase like "start" or "begin" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embark on the path" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of a journey or course of action. It suggests a deliberate and often challenging undertaking, as supported by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embark on the path" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the beginning of a journey or course of action. According to Ludwig, it suggests a deliberate and often challenging undertaking. While not extremely common, it frequently appears in news and academic contexts. The phrase is best used in neutral to formal writing, avoiding overuse in simple contexts where "start" or "begin" would suffice. Alternative phrases like "begin the journey" or "commence the endeavor" can be used for variety. The positive assessment by Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin the journey

Focuses on the start of a literal or figurative journey.

embark on the voyage

Uses 'voyage' to give a sense of a long or important undertaking.

commence the endeavor

Implies a formal start to a significant undertaking.

undertake the quest

Implies a challenging and meaningful pursuit.

set out on the road

Evokes a sense of adventure and forward movement.

start down the road

Suggests making an initial step towards a goal.

set forth on the course

Suggests a planned and deliberate beginning.

take the first step

Highlights the initial action in a process.

launch into the process

Indicates an energetic entry into a series of actions.

initiate the procedure

Emphasizes the formal start of an established method.

FAQs

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

You can use "embark on the path" to describe the beginning of a significant journey or endeavor. For example, "She decided to "embark on the path" of becoming a doctor after volunteering at a hospital."

What's a less formal alternative to "embark on the path"?

If you want a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "start down the road" or "begin the journey".

Is "embark on the path" suitable for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "embark on the path" is more suitable for formal or descriptive writing. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What is the nuance of using "embark on the path" instead of "start"?

While "start" is a general term for beginning something, "embark on the path" suggests a more deliberate and significant undertaking, often implying a journey with challenges and a specific goal.