go the route

USAGE SUMMARY

"go the route" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express one's intention to take a particular course of action. For example, "We can either wait for the storm to pass or go the route and attempt to drive through it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Bigger industrialized states might go the route we went".

The New York Times - Health

I may even go the route of Ralph Nader".

The New York Times

I would go the route of most songwriters, I'd say.

The Guardian - Music

Harvey then said: "We chose to go the route of rehabbing.

The New York Times

If we go the route proposed by the House subcommittee, that opportunity will be wasted.

The New York Times

He added, "The next generation of buyers will probably go the route I'm trying to fight.

The New York Times

It didn't seem seemly for us to go the route of Illinois or Ohio or Michigan".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"She was going the route.

The New Yorker

BERNIE: She hadn't gone the route?

The New Yorker

I don't think everyone could have gone the route I went and made it.

The New York Times - Sports

We will know that Egypt went the route of Pakistan and not India.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go the route" to suggest a deliberate choice of a method or strategy, especially when other options exist. For example, "Instead of buying a new car, they decided to go the route of repairing their old one".

Common error

Avoid using "go the route" when simply describing a habitual action or a default choice. It's better suited for situations where a conscious decision between different approaches is made. For example, instead of "He goes the route every morning," use "He takes the same route every morning."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go the route" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a deliberate choice of a method or course of action. It often appears when discussing alternatives and making a decision. As per Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go the route" is a phrase used to describe the action of choosing a specific method or plan, especially when there are alternative options available. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with situations where a conscious decision is being made between different approaches. Alternatives like "take that approach" or "choose that path" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take that approach

Focuses on adopting a specific method or way of dealing with something.

choose that path

Emphasizes the selection of a particular course or direction.

opt for that strategy

Highlights the decision to use a specific plan or method to achieve a goal.

select that option

Focuses on the act of picking a particular choice from a set of possibilities.

adopt that course of action

Stresses the formal implementation of a specific plan or series of steps.

follow that procedure

Emphasizes adherence to a specific set of steps or guidelines.

pursue that avenue

Implies actively working towards a goal through a particular channel or method.

take that direction

Focuses on choosing a specific way.

embrace that tactic

Highlights the enthusiastic adoption of a particular method or strategy.

go in that direction

Focuses on heading towards a specific route.

FAQs

How can I use "go the route" in a sentence?

You can use "go the route" to indicate choosing a specific method or course of action, especially when alternatives exist. For instance, "We could hire a professional, or we can "go the route" of doing it ourselves".

What are some alternatives to "go the route"?

Depending on the context, you might consider alternatives like "take that approach", "choose that path", or "opt for that strategy".

Is it better to say "go the route" or "take the route"?

Both "go the route" and "take the route" are acceptable. However, "go the route" often implies a more considered decision between options, while "take the route" can refer to a more literal or habitual path.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "go the route"?

Avoid using "go the route" when describing something that is a standard or only option. It's best used when you are consciously choosing among several alternatives.