in its path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in its path" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is directly affected by the movement or progress of something else. Example: The hurricane left a trail of destruction in its path.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's nearly extinct, but when it does make an appearance, it destroys everything in its path.

Huffington Post

Appearance: Slimy, ruthless, voracious – it consumes everything in its path.

The Guardian

It destroyed everything in its path".

BBC

"Others may add sensors to make it dodge obstacles in its path," Pedroso says.

Vice

It will transform all in its path.

Forbes

This light is channelled down "beamlines" where it hits targets put in its path.

BBC

It undermines every landscape in its path.

Huffington Post

Corrupting the soul, it eventually corrupts everything in its path.

Huffington Post

It can attack pieces in its path.

WikiHow

It spent approximately 44 s in its path.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

It spent approximately 1 minute in its path.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a force or event, use "in its path" to vividly convey the scope of its influence and destruction.

Common error

Avoid using "in its path" when describing something that merely exists alongside an object; the phrase implies direct interaction or influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in its path" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by indicating where an action's effect is directed. Ludwig examples show it describing objects or areas directly affected by a force or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in its path" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe something directly affected by the movement or influence of something else. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing, highlighting its versatility. When writing, remember that this phrase suggests a direct interaction or impact, making it ideal for vividly portraying consequences. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate this well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its trajectory

Focuses on the course or direction something takes, highlighting the line of movement.

in its wake

Emphasizes the consequences or remnants left behind after something passes.

in its course

Highlights the natural progression and direction of something.

in its line of fire

Implies immediate danger or risk from something's actions.

in its ambit

Suggests the scope or range of something's influence or activity.

in its range

Indicates proximity and potential impact from something's reach.

in its forward direction

Highlights the forward movement and whatever lies ahead.

on its route

Refers to a pre-planned or established course that something follows.

along its way

Suggests a journey or process and the things encountered during it.

in its ambit

Refers to the scope or range of influence.

FAQs

How can I use "in its path" in a sentence?

Use "in its path" to describe something that is directly affected by the movement or progress of something else. For example, "The wildfire destroyed everything "in its path"."

What are some alternatives to "in its path"?

You can use phrases like "in its wake", "in its trajectory", or "in its course" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "on its path" instead of "in its path"?

While "on its path" can be used in some contexts, ""in its path"" is generally more common and emphasizes direct impact or influence.

What does "in its path" imply about the object being described?

"In its path" suggests that the object is directly affected, often negatively, by the movement or progression of something else. It indicates that the object is in the direct line of influence and is likely to be impacted.