it was a trajectory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a trajectory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a path or course of development, often in a metaphorical sense, such as in personal growth or project progress. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, it was a trajectory that led her to success in her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was a trajectory that even Dean seemed not to have foreseen.

The New Yorker

For Rotolo, it was a trajectory that would take her from the sweetness of first love to the trauma of abortion.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's a trajectory that is on the one hand explainable, even banal.

The Guardian

It's a trajectory that mirrors the United States as a whole.

The Guardian

It's a trajectory going forward for the last ten years at least".

The Guardian - Books

It is a trajectory familiar in many elite realms of American professional life.

The New York Times

It's a trajectory that can be as true for new mothers as it is for new fathers, only not as funny.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a trajectory with which PC Carol Howard – "singled out and targeted" because she is a woman and black in the elite Diplomatic Protection Group (DPG), the same unit responsible for the Plebgate scandal – is no doubt all too familiar.

The Guardian - Opinion

In "The Lizard King," we watch Van Nostrand, like his dad before him, cross the line from legal to illegal as though it's a trajectory "reptile people" are wired to follow: "bigger, meaner, rarer, hot" — where hot can be slang for "venomous," as Christy notes, but also for "illegal".

The New York Times - Books

It's a trajectory all the more interesting for the way it mirrors the evolution of their off-camera careers, in which they've morphed into stars so much larger than, and sometimes so loosely tethered to, the nuts and bolts of their craft.

The New York Times - Food

It's a trajectory that mirrors just about every element of Mr. Woods's life these days: As he enters the Masters tournament beginning on Thursday, his golf game has fallen apart and he is overhauling his swing for the fourth time in his career.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a trajectory" when you want to describe a series of events or a path of development that has a clear direction or trend.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a trajectory" when a simpler phrase like "it happened" or "it developed" would suffice. The phrase is best suited for situations where the path or direction is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a trajectory" functions as a narrative device to describe the progression or development of a particular event, situation, or person's life. Ludwig examples show it being used to explain someone's career or a particular situation in context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was a trajectory" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a course or path of development, typically in a narrative or analytical context. Ludwig AI suggests that while the phrase is valid, it is relatively rare, most often appearing in News & Media. When writing, consider using "it was a trajectory" to emphasize the path or direction of events, but be mindful of the potential for overuse in simpler contexts. Alternatives such as "it followed a course" or "it developed along a path" might be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to highlight the directed nature of a progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it followed a course

Changes the noun to 'course', emphasizing the direction taken.

it developed along a path

Uses 'path' instead of trajectory, focusing on the process of development.

it unfolded as expected

Highlights the predictability of the progression.

it progressed in a certain way

Emphasizes the manner of advancement.

it advanced steadily

Focuses on consistent forward movement.

it took a specific route

Highlights the chosen direction or method.

it moved along a line

Uses 'line' to convey a sense of direction.

it evolved predictably

Focuses on the natural progression and its anticipation.

it charted a course

Emphasizes planning and direction.

it traced a development

Highlights the act of following a particular evolution.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a trajectory" in a sentence?

Use "it was a trajectory" to describe a course of events or development. For instance, "After the company's restructuring, "it was a trajectory" that led to increased profits."

What are some alternatives to "it was a trajectory"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it followed a course", "it developed along a path", or "it unfolded as expected". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "it was a trajectory" formal or informal?

"It was a trajectory" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for news articles, reports, or analytical writing. Simpler phrases might be preferred in casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "it was a trajectory"?

Use "it was a trajectory" when you want to emphasize the path or direction that something took. This is especially useful when that path is significant or reveals something important about the subject.