go astray

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go astray" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has gone off course or has deviated from the intended path or purpose. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the project began to go astray due to unforeseen complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I didn't go astray".

The Guardian - Business

"You can't make me go astray".

The New York Times

Despite that, letters continued to go astray.

The Guardian - Money

Each can go astray, spin out of control.

The New York Times

Yet wisdom can go astray, and false gods can result.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"If 'Islamic' doesn't exist, we will go astray.

Independent

What was that conclusion, and where did you go astray?

The New Yorker

While this sounds straightforward, the process can go astray.

The New York Times

There were so many ways the journey could go astray.

The New York Times - Magazine

A bit of application would not go astray.

The Guardian - Sport

They lust after other stylists and go astray.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go astray" to describe situations where something deviates from its intended path, plan, or moral compass. It's suitable for both tangible and abstract contexts, like a letter going missing or a person developing bad habits.

Common error

While "go astray" is widely acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "deviate", "err", or "diverge" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go astray" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and shows its use to describe a deviation from an intended course, plan, or moral standard, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go astray" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a deviation from an intended path, plan, or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is versatile enough to be used in various contexts, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided. While it maintains a neutral register, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in highly academic or professional settings. Remember that even the best-laid plans can "go astray", highlighting the unpredictability of life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wander off course

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical act of deviating from a path.

deviate from the path

Emphasizes a departure from a prescribed or expected route or behavior.

go off track

Suggests a loss of direction or focus, often in a project or plan.

stray from the point

Implies a digression from the main topic or argument.

get sidetracked

Highlights the distraction that causes one to deviate.

lose one's way

Indicates a loss of direction, either literally or figuratively.

become corrupted

Focuses on moral or ethical deviation.

fall into error

Emphasizes the act of making a mistake or becoming incorrect.

get lost

Stresses the feeling of being without direction or guidance.

turn bad

Suggests a change from a good state to a negative one.

FAQs

How can I use "go astray" in a sentence?

You can use "go astray" to describe when something deviates from its intended path, such as, "The project began to "go astray" due to lack of funding."

What are some synonyms for "go astray"?

Alternatives for "go astray" include "wander off course", "deviate from the path", or "go off track" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "go astray" or "become lost"?

"Go astray" implies a deviation from an intended path or standard, while "become lost" indicates a loss of direction. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the deviation or the loss of direction.

What does it mean when someone says that best laid plans "oft go astray"?

It means that even the most carefully made plans can fail or "go wrong" due to unforeseen circumstances. The phrase is a shortened version of a line from a Robert Burns poem.