going down the same path

USAGE SUMMARY

"going down the same path" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something traveling or progressing in a similar way to someone or something else. Example: Despite their different backgrounds, Sarah and Jake are both going down the same path in their careers as successful lawyers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 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

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

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

Willetts says the current Conservative-Liberal Democoalitionisionots not going down the same path.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Ross and Nathan, who at 27 are considered the "olders" of the group, both try to stop him from going down the same paths they did.

Vice

BlackRock, a huge asset manager, is also going down the same path.This is not the first time firms have attempted to create electronic exchanges for bonds.

The Economist

But he is not alone; the extreme right in Europe is going down the same electorally successful path with policies that are geared to both limit immigration and replace globalisation.

The Guardian

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

The New York Times - Sports

Local hope Nick Kyrgios went down the same path as Azarenka.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going down the same path", ensure it's clear what the original path is and why the comparison is being made. Providing context enhances clarity.

Common error

While acceptable in news and general media, avoid overusing "going down the same path" in formal writing where more precise or nuanced language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "following a similar trajectory" or "taking a parallel course" in academic or professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going down the same path" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of following a similar course or direction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability, and its grammatical role is evident in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going down the same path" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express that someone or something is following a similar course or direction as another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's valid and usable in English, though more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business sources, the phrase serves to draw comparisons and highlight parallels. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure that the comparison is clear and relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following a similar trajectory

Replaces "going down" with "following" and uses a more formal term, "trajectory", to refer to the path.

walking the same road

Uses "walking" instead of "going down" and "road" instead of "path", creating a more metaphorical and less direct image.

taking a parallel course

Replaces the path metaphor with the idea of a "parallel course", suggesting a more deliberate and planned similarity.

treading the same ground

Suggests that two subjects are covering similar subjects or experiences, but more figuratively.

heading in the same direction

Focuses on the final destination rather than the journey, emphasizing the shared goal.

moving along similar lines

Uses "lines" as a metaphor for the path and "moving along" to describe the progression.

emulating the same approach

Implies a deliberate imitation of a particular method or strategy.

mirroring the same development

Suggests a very close resemblance, and mostly used in business contexts.

replicating the same pattern

Suggests that there is a recurrent pattern, mostly used in scientific contexts.

duplicating the same process

Suggests that two subjects are duplicating a series of actions or steps.

FAQs

What does "going down the same path" mean?

It means following a similar course of action or experiencing similar events as someone or something else. It implies a comparison between two subjects and their respective journeys or progressions.

How can I use "going down the same path" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a person making similar choices, a country following a similar policy, or even a product adopting a similar design. For instance, "The company is "following a similar trajectory" as its competitor."

What are some alternatives to "going down the same path"?

Alternatives include "following a similar trajectory", "walking the same road", or "taking a parallel course". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "going down the same path" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "replicating the same pattern" or "mirroring the same development".