in a different path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a different path" is not correct in standard English; it should be "on a different path." You can use it when discussing alternative directions or choices in life, work, or thought processes.
Example: "After much consideration, I decided to pursue my passion for art, choosing to follow a different path than my original career plan."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Sometimes something will happen in the room that will lead you in a different path, and that will stay in the show.

The Guardian

Moreover, our ThT assay, circular dichroism analysis and electron microscopy images suggested that oleuropein interferes with amylin aggregation, resulting in a different path skipping the formation of toxic pre-fibrillar aggregates.

The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry

Listen to your parents, but be courageous if you believe in a different path.

Forbes

But what wins me over is that even when you make a mistake, you can land in a different path and keep running toward the finish.

TechCrunch

Guests who use an Express Pass skip some rooms and meet the normal riders when they see the alien twins in the control rooms, then follow the normal riders but in a different path.

Wikipedia

The trailing, dominant wrist moves in a different path altogether, being in neutral at address before moving quickly into maximal extension during the backswing (figure 3) and only moving back into neutral (and ultimately flexion) just before impact.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

As one marketing manager at a consumer goods company in Russia put it, "I consider it my private thing, because I am investing not only in my day-to-day work but also in my future". Some people are afraid that they'll appear uninvested in their current roles if they show any interest in exploring a different path.

Harvard Business Review

But in Germany, a different path was being laid.

The Economist

In following a different path, Mr. Kagel still managed to become a star, singing with Sting and rubbing shoulders with Madonna.

The New York Times

The full costs of this high-carbon energy option are too high for the people of Kosovo, and the international community has the resources and opportunity to assist in charting a different path.

University of California, Berkeley

Charlotte's son, Charles Edward, born in Paris in 1784, followed a different path.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative phrases like "down a different road" or "along an alternative route" to add variety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in" with "path" when indicating a direction or course; the correct preposition is "on". For example, write "He decided to go on a different path" not "in a different path".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a different path" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun by indicating a direction, method, or course of action that deviates from the norm. However, Ludwig AI indicates that standard English prefers the preposition 'on' rather than 'in'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a different path" is used to express the idea of choosing an alternative route or direction. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically more correct to say "on a different path". This phrase appears in various contexts, including News & Media and Science, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While understandable, it's advisable to use "on a different path" for grammatical accuracy. Related alternatives include "down a different road" and "along an alternative route", offering similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a different path

Uses 'on' instead of 'in', correcting the grammatical error while maintaining the original meaning.

down a different road

Employs a road metaphor, implying a journey or progression along an alternative route.

along an alternative route

Replaces 'path' with 'route', suggesting a planned or chosen course of action.

in another direction

Offers a more general expression indicating a change in course without specifying a 'path'.

on an alternative course

Substitutes 'path' with 'course', often used in the context of studies or training.

following a different trajectory

Uses 'trajectory' to emphasize the projection of a course over time, often in a career or project.

taking a divergent approach

Replaces the spatial metaphor with 'approach', focusing on a method or strategy that differs.

charting a new course

Suggests an active process of planning and setting a new direction or strategy.

veering off course

Implies a deviation from an originally intended direction or plan.

opting for a different strategy

Focuses on a conscious decision to use an alternative plan or method.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "in a different path"?

The grammatically correct way to express this idea is to use the preposition "on" instead of "in", resulting in the phrase "on a different path".

What does it mean to be "on a different path"?

To be "on a different path" means to be pursuing a different course of action, making different choices, or heading in a different direction than originally intended or than others are.

Are there any synonyms for "on a different path" that I can use?

Yes, you can use phrases such as "down a different road", "along an alternative route", or "in another direction" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "in a different path" ever correct to use?

While not grammatically standard, you might encounter "in a different path" in informal contexts. However, it's best to use "on a different path" for clarity and correctness.