go down the same path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go down the same path" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a similar journey or course of action. For example, "My parents and I chose to go down the same path and pursue law as a career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"I want to go down the same path," Deitchler said.

The New York Times - Sports

So will one or more troubled European nations go down the same path?

The New York Times - Magazine

I never thought the Fed would go down the same path.

The New York Times

And I fear that if Egypt goes the wrong way, many other countries will go down the same path".

The New York Times - Magazine

If Wales and Cornwall go down the same path as Scotland, it will be entirely London's fault.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If I go down the same path it will be because the medical team have recommended it.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"He was really ripping the boy to keep him from going down the same path," the sergeant said.

The New York Times

Giga Bokeria, a senior UNM figure, wrote last week that the current Georgian government is going down the same path as the former Ukrainian government did.

The Economist

Tim Callahan, the spokesman for the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, which represents eighty-four toldsand teachers, told me, "The state is going down the same path as Atlanta, and we are not exactly enthused".

The New Yorker

It may not be coincidental that Chile is the one country in Latin America where since 1960 productivity has grown faster than in the United States: it opened up to international trade and reformed its economy earlier and more thoroughly than most other countries in the region.Peru, though poorer, is going down the same path.

The Economist

After returning from the digital city of Hull, I had a clearer understanding of how, precisely, the spread of CCTV cameras is transforming British society and why I think it's important for America to resist going down the same path.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go down the same path" to warn against repeating past errors or to encourage learning from previous experiences. For example, "To avoid problems with your application, make sure not to go down the same path as your predecessor."

Common error

Avoid using "go down the same path" when simply describing parallel activities that are not causally linked. For instance, if two companies independently develop similar products, it's inaccurate to say one "went down the same path" as the other unless there was direct influence or imitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go down the same path" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a course of action that mirrors a previous one. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It typically serves as part of a larger clause to express similarity in actions or experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Huffington Post

5%

The Guardian

3%

Less common in

The Economist

1%

Vice

1%

BBC

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go down the same path" is a versatile expression used to describe following a similar course of action or experiencing a comparable situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, making it appropriate for various contexts, especially in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it can carry positive or negative connotations depending on the context. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "follow the same course". To avoid common errors, ensure a causal link exists between the compared situations. In summary, "go down the same path" is a reliable phrase for expressing similarity and comparison, as long as its implications are carefully considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go the same route

Very similar to the original phrase, with a slight variation in wording. A subtle synonym.

follow the same course

Focuses on the action of adhering to a similar route or direction.

take the same road

Similar to taking the same route, but using road instead of route.

take a similar route

Emphasizes the selection and undertaking of a comparable journey or method.

experience a similar outcome

Highlights the aspect of achieving comparable results or consequences.

end up in the same situation

Focuses on arriving at a comparable set of circumstances or predicament.

repeat the same mistakes

Underscores the negative aspect of replicating previous errors or missteps.

follow in someone's footsteps

Implies imitating someone's actions or career path.

tread the same path

Uses a more poetic or literary term for following a similar course.

walk the same line

Implies adhering to similar principles or boundaries.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "go down the same path" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "follow the same course", "adopt a similar approach", or "pursue an analogous strategy".

Is "go down the same path" appropriate for academic writing?

While understandable, "go down the same path" might be too informal for academic writing. Using more precise and academic language, such as "replicate the methodology" or "emulate the process", would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "go down the same path" and "follow in someone's footsteps"?

"Go down the same path" refers to a similar course of action or experience, while "follow in someone's footsteps" specifically implies imitating someone else's actions or career.

When is it appropriate to use "go down the same path" in a negative context?

Use "go down the same path" in a negative context when warning against repeating past mistakes or undesirable outcomes. For example, "We need to learn from history and ensure we don't go down the same path that led to previous failures".