get back on the path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get back on the path" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to returning to a correct or intended course of action, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "After a few setbacks, I need to get back on the path to achieving my goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"This strange thing happened with 'La Bamba': it twisted things, and it took us a little bit to get back on the path again," said Louie Perez, one of Los Lobos' songwriters.

The New York Times - Arts

It said that a couple of its performance problems are of "a one-time nature," and it promised to "get back on the path" that it was on during the first half of 2007.

Forbes

"After we digest the lessons learned, I think we'll get back on the path of nuclear construction".

The New York Times

He wants to get back on the path he was pulled away from more than five years ago.

Princeton University

If tough austerity programs do not wrest nations free from high unemployment and overindebtedness, then how are they to get back on the path to growth?

The New York Times

Hirsch said issues like the MSG battle occasionally become "front and center, and once you get through them, you get back on the path you were on".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Getting back on the path to long-term economic growth will mean a period of belt-tightening in the short-term.

The Guardian - Opinion

After a devastating tragedy, Quinn embarks on a "laugh-out-loud sad" journey of self re-discovery in hopes of getting back on the path toward Hollywood glory -- or, at least, graduation.

HuffPost

We criticize individuals with the idea of wanting them to reset their course and get back on the righteous path of justice, humility, truth and respect for every life.

Huffington Post

It's not too late to get back on the right path.

The New York Times

Friends openly wondered if I'd ever get back on the career path after "disappearing" for years.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get back on the path" when you want to convey a return to a previously established direction or set of goals, especially after a disruption or setback. It's versatile and suitable for both personal and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "get back on the path" in situations where you're referring to a physical path or trail. The phrase is primarily idiomatic, so a more literal description would be appropriate in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get back on the path" functions as an idiomatic expression, meaning to return to a desired course of action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

21%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get back on the path" is a common and accepted idiomatic expression used to describe a return to a previously established or desired course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and even academia. While it's important to avoid using it in literal contexts involving physical paths, its metaphorical usage is widespread and generally well-understood. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "return to the right track" or "get back on course". Remember, the key is to use the phrase that best conveys the specific nuance of returning to a correct or intended direction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return to the right track

Emphasizes a return to a correct or morally sound course.

get back on course

Highlights a return to a planned or intended direction.

resume progress

Focuses on continuing forward momentum after a delay.

recover lost ground

Suggests regaining something that was previously lost or diminished.

turn things around

Implies a significant change from a negative to a positive situation.

get back to normal

Highlights a return to a usual or expected state.

find your way again

Focuses on rediscovering a direction or purpose after being lost.

start over

Suggests beginning anew, often after a setback or failure.

make a fresh start

Highlights a new beginning with a clean slate.

re-establish momentum

Emphasizes rebuilding forward progress.

FAQs

What does "get back on the path" mean?

It means to return to a course of action, a plan, or a way of life that one had previously been following but has deviated from.

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

You can use it in sentences like, "After the holiday season, I need to "get back on the path" with my diet and exercise routine."

What are some alternatives to "get back on the path"?

Alternatives include "return to the right track", "get back on course", or "resume progress", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "get back on the path" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific context. In highly formal writing, a more precise and less idiomatic phrase might be preferable. However, in many professional and news contexts, it's perfectly suitable.