going astray

USAGE SUMMARY

"going astray" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to mean deviating from the intended path, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The project quickly went astray due to miscommunication among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Lifestyle

Religion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think the youth are going astray.

The New York Times

A vast majority saw America going astray.

The New York Times

Passes are going astray, tackles being missed.

The Guardian - Sport

On "Chum," he tells his story of going astray.

The New York Times - Arts

Sovereignty is not a problem; it's just going astray.

The New Yorker

It isn't immune to going astray – it was once lost on the way to Acapulco.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Just one caveat: tracking devices won't stop luggage going astray once it's out of your hands.

Independent

But we can already see where things might be going astray.

The New Yorker

He highlights the kind of spending at risk of going astray.

The Economist

A lot of passes from both teams are going astray, but not in particularly dangerous areas.

The Guardian - Sport

"I love it in student essays when they know they're going astray," Dr. Henriksson said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going astray" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the standard or path from which there is a deviation. This provides clarity and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "going astray" in contexts where the deviation is minor or inconsequential. The phrase implies a significant departure from an expected or desired course, so ensure the severity matches the term's weight.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "going astray" is as a verb phrase, typically functioning as part of the predicate in a sentence. It often describes an action of deviating or wandering from a correct path or standard. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

10%

Books

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Religion

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "going astray" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a deviation from an intended path or standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though most frequently found in news and media. Related phrases include "wandering off course" and "straying from the path". When using "going astray", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the correct path to avoid ambiguity. While generally neutral, it's important to avoid using it for minor deviations, as this diminishes its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wandering off course

This alternative suggests a deviation from a planned route or expected behavior.

straying from the path

This phrase emphasizes a departure from a moral or correct course of action.

deviating from the norm

This suggests a departure from typical or expected standards.

veering off track

This alternative indicates a change in direction, often unintentionally.

losing one's way

This phrase highlights a state of being lost, either literally or figuratively.

going off the rails

This idiom describes a situation spiraling out of control.

falling into error

This phrase emphasizes the act of making a mistake or doing something wrong.

becoming misguided

This suggests a loss of proper direction or judgment.

taking a wrong turn

This alternative implies making a decision that leads to undesirable consequences.

getting sidetracked

This suggests being diverted from the main purpose or task.

FAQs

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

You can use "going astray" to describe someone deviating from a planned course, moral principles, or expected behavior. For example, "The project went astray due to poor planning."

What does "going astray" mean?

"Going astray" means to deviate from the correct path or standard. It implies a departure from what is expected or desired, often with negative consequences.

What are some synonyms for "going astray"?

Alternatives to "going astray" include "wandering off course", "straying from the path", or "deviating from the norm", depending on the context.

Is "going astray" formal or informal?

"Going astray" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in news and media or general conversation.