footpaths

USAGE SUMMARY

'footpaths' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a path intended for the use of pedestrians. For example, "The local council is laying down new footpaths to make it easier for people to walk around the town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Why pedestrians are meant to go up and down the skywalk is just because your motorist does not want to go up and down," says Joshi, who thinks skywalks can never compensate for footpaths.

The Guardian

It aims to focus government attention on the lack of footpaths, increasing priority given to motorised traffic and resultant road rage, accidents and pollution.

The Guardian

On footpaths from B2141, four miles northwest of Chichester.

The Guardian - Travel

Of course, a driver can do far more damage in a car – or worse, a lorry – than any cyclist, but that's still a lot of cyclists jumping red lights and whizzing down footpaths.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Widening lanes for cars and making way for new housing has meant that footpaths in Mumbai have been shrinking every year.

The Guardian

New business districts in the city in fact have no footpaths factored into their planning at all.

The Guardian

That way you can put together even the longest of the British footpaths, such as the 630-mile South West Coast Path, from Minehead in Somerset to Studland in Dorset.

The Guardian - Travel

There are several hundred long-distance footpaths in Britain, ranging from 17-mile hikes such as the Altrincham Circular in Cheshire, through the medium-size (at 65 miles) Black Fen Waterway trail in East Anglia, and the West Highland Way in Scotland at 95 miles, up to classics such as the Pennine Way at 247 miles.

The Guardian - Travel

Given the lack of public spaces like gardens, parks or even footpaths, some people find respite in the spaces provided by the recently developed skywalks.

The Guardian

Footpaths, on the other hand, face a design problem, being barely a metre wide, and heavily obstructed.

The Guardian

Long-distance footpaths can be seductive things.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing routes in rural or natural settings, use "footpaths" to evoke a sense of exploration and connection to nature.

Common error

Avoid using "sidewalks" when describing routes in rural or natural environments; "sidewalks" are typically associated with urban areas. Use "footpaths" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "footpaths" is as a plural noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting routes designed for pedestrian use. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "footpaths" is a grammatically sound and frequently used plural noun that describes routes designed for pedestrians. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific discussions. While often interchangeable with terms like ""walking paths"" or ""pedestrian walkways"", it's best reserved for describing routes in rural or natural settings, as opposed to urban environments where ""sidewalks"" are more appropriate. Understanding these nuances will help ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

walking paths

Replaces "footpaths" with a synonym for walking, emphasizing the activity of walking.

pedestrian walkways

Uses more formal language to describe paths specifically designed for pedestrians.

walking trails

Implies a more natural or recreational setting for the path.

sidewalks

Specifically refers to paved paths alongside roads, more common in urban settings.

paved paths

Highlights the paved surface of the path.

hiking trails

Suggests a path designed for hiking, often in a more rugged environment.

public walkways

Emphasizes the public accessibility of the path.

promenades

Refers to a paved public walkway, typically along a waterfront.

nature trails

Specifically denotes a path through a natural environment, often for educational purposes.

garden paths

Describes paths within a garden setting.

FAQs

How can I use "footpaths" in a sentence?

"Footpaths" are typically used to describe walking routes, as in, "The village is connected by a network of scenic "footpaths"."

What's a good alternative to using the word "footpaths"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "walking paths", "pedestrian walkways", or "hiking trails".

Is there a difference between "footpaths" and "sidewalks"?

"Footpaths" generally refer to trails or paths for walking, often in rural areas, while "sidewalks" are paved walkways alongside roads in urban settings.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the term "footpaths"?

"Footpaths" is best used when describing walking routes in natural or rural environments, or when referring to established trails designed for pedestrian use. It's less common in urban contexts where "sidewalks" or "pavements" are the norm.