forge a path

USAGE SUMMARY

"forge a path" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase that can be used to refer to the process of making, or finding, a way forward in a difficult situation. For example, “With determination and hard work, she was determined to forge a path to success.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To do this, they forge a path through tissues using enzymes that digest the extracellular matrix.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was another half-hour before they could forge a path to the exit.

The New York Times

At times the crowd pressed in, and Jonathan had to forge a path through it.

The New Yorker

It also shows how determined parents can forge a path for other families encountering similar obstacles.

The Washington Post

You have to just let yourself feel the way you feel and forge a path through it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But it has been a struggle to forge a path through the anxieties of town council members.

The Guardian - Books

Every choice they made would forge a path for a group inching its way into electoral politics.

The Washington Post

"But the reality is, when you can forge a path and create great leaders, it's going to lead to more great things".

The New York Times

To do that, they must be able to forge a path through tissues, a task they perform with the aid of enzymes that digest the extracellular matrix.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tears were shed for Willie Shaw's lost dream, which helped forge a path for David to get the head coaching job he never could.

The New York Times - Sports

In one of the show's more pointedly funny moments, the Kid argues that it's not always that easy to forge a path to a less oppressive life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forge a path" to emphasize the active and often difficult process of creating a new opportunity or way forward, especially when facing challenges or uncertainties.

Common error

Avoid using "forge a path" when simply describing an existing or readily available option. The phrase implies effort, creation, and overcoming obstacles; use alternatives like "follow a route" or "take a course" if the path is already well-established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forge a path" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI examples indicate its use to describe the act of creating opportunities or strategies where none previously existed. The phrase implies a sense of determination and overcoming challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forge a path" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic phrase used to describe creating a new way forward, especially in challenging situations. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase appropriately, emphasizing the active and effortful nature of creating a new route. Alternatives include "create a pathway" and "blaze a trail". When used correctly, "forge a path" effectively conveys determination and innovation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a pathway

Replaces "forge" with "create" and "path" with "pathway", emphasizing the act of making a route.

blaze a trail

An idiomatic alternative, similar in meaning but with a stronger connotation of being the first to do something.

carve a route

Uses "carve" instead of "forge", suggesting a more deliberate and forceful creation of a route.

chart a course

Similar to "establish a course", but with an emphasis on detailed planning and navigation.

establish a course

Substitutes "forge" with "establish" and "path" with "course", focusing on setting a direction.

pioneer a method

Replaces "path" with "method", indicating innovation and the creation of a new approach.

develop a strategy

Uses "develop" to emphasize a gradual and planned approach to creating a strategy for success.

open a gateway

Suggests creating opportunities or access to something new.

make headway

Focuses on progress and moving forward despite obstacles, rather than creating a new route.

find a solution

Shifts the focus to problem-solving and discovering a way out of a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "forge a path" in a sentence?

You can use "forge a path" to describe creating a new way forward, like: "The entrepreneur had to "create a pathway" through the complex regulatory landscape to launch their innovative product."

What does "forge a path" mean?

"Forge a path" means to create a new way forward, often in a challenging or uncertain situation. It implies active effort and overcoming obstacles.

What can I say instead of "forge a path"?

Alternatives to "forge a path" include "blaze a trail", "create a pathway", or "establish a course", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "forge a path" or "create a path"?

"Forge a path" and "create a path" are similar, but "forge a path" implies more effort and overcoming obstacles. "Create a path" is more general and can refer to simply making something new.