has gone astray

USAGE SUMMARY

"has gone astray" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe someone or something that has strayed off course (physically, emotionally, or metaphorically). Example: The trailblazers had gone astray, finding themselves lost in the dense forest.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Once Hagen has gone astray, the film divides its labors.

The New Yorker

I don't know where the party has gone astray, but it seems to have gone astray".

Independent

Theory has gone astray, but not because it has encouraged academic obscurantism and grim reductiveness.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. O'Rourke said: "It wouldn't be the first time a good idea has gone astray".

The New York Times

It appears that as much as €1bn has gone astray in a labyrinth of shady deals.

The Guardian - Opinion

The odd catch has gone astray; the runs have dried up and that right elbow is forever painful.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The Israelites, in "a spirit of harlotry," have gone astray and have left their God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Perhaps if she had not been immune to such fevers I should not have gone astray".

The New Yorker

Those worms whose cells had gone astray glowed in the wrong places.

The Economist

"In my yapping to you, I've gone astray," he said.

The New York Times - Food

I am deeply saddened that he had gone astray, but he is my son.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has gone astray", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject has deviated from, whether it's a moral code, a physical path, or a set of instructions. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "has gone astray" in situations where a simple mistake or unintentional error has occurred. This phrase implies a more significant deviation or a deliberate departure from what is right or expected, not a minor slip-up.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has gone astray" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject has deviated from a correct path or standard. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from describing a nation's values to a scientific theory.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has gone astray" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a deviation from an intended path, standard, or moral code. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject has deviated from. Consider alternatives like "has lost its way" or "has deviated from the path" based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has lost its way

Emphasizes the idea of being lost and not knowing the right direction, focusing on the journey.

has deviated from the path

Highlights the act of moving away from a planned or expected route, whether literal or figurative.

has gone off course

Focuses on the idea of straying from a set direction, often used in navigation or planning contexts.

has become misguided

Indicates a loss of good judgment or proper guidance, leading to poor decisions.

has taken a wrong turn

Implies a specific decision that led to an undesirable outcome or incorrect path.

has fallen into error

Highlights the act of making a mistake or falling into a state of incorrectness.

has been led astray

Suggests an external influence that caused the deviation, implying a lack of personal agency.

has become corrupted

Emphasizes a loss of integrity or purity, often used in moral or ethical contexts.

has strayed from the truth

Focuses on a departure from honesty or factual accuracy, indicating deception or misinformation.

has taken the low road

Implies a conscious decision to act in a way that is dishonorable or unethical.

FAQs

How can I use "has gone astray" in a sentence?

Use "has gone astray" to describe something or someone that has deviated from the correct path, morally, ethically, or literally. For example, "The project "has gone astray" due to poor management."

What can I say instead of "has gone astray"?

You can use alternatives like "has lost its way", "has deviated from the path", or "has gone off course" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "has gone astray" or "has run astray"?

While both phrases suggest deviation, "has gone astray" is more commonly used for abstract concepts or situations, while "has run astray" might imply a more active or deliberate departure.

What's the difference between "has gone astray" and "has gone awry"?

"Has gone astray" implies a deviation from a correct or intended path, while "has gone awry" suggests that something has gone wrong or amiss. "Has gone astray" focuses on the departure, "has gone awry" on the malfunction.