lay a path for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay a path for" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means to create the foundation or groundwork for something, or to provide a plan of action that will lead to a particular result. For example: "By working hard, we are laying a path for future generations to succeed and reach their goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Now Mr Duncan has taken the sensible and rather brave step of reconciling the private and public halves of his political life in a move that will shock no one but perhaps lay a path for others to follow.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

She uses her findings lay out a path for incarcerated workers to potentially unionize under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

Cornell University

The United States first proposed a resolution that would keep the ban on Cuba in place but lay out a path for it to be reinstated.

The New York Times

MR. RIEDEL struggles at times to lay out a path for the president-elect on Pakistan — the foreign policy headache he calls "the hardest part of this whole thing" — that is vastly different from the course the Bush administration has charted in recent months.

The New York Times

This would also lay down a path for future researchers and create a database of reference in the Indian context.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

The goal of corporate development and planning is to lay out a path for succeeding along our corporate roadmap and achieving our corporate objectives.

HuffPost

Durazo said her group would also continue to put pressure on House Republicans, who have not taken up a vote on a bipartisan bill passed by the Senate last year that would lay out a path for people here illegally to apply for citizenship.

Los Angeles Times

The nations of the world must create a system with that same kind of accountability when the UN General Assembly meets later this month in New York to ratify the Sustainable Development Goals, which lay out a path for ending global poverty, confronting climate change and closing equality gaps by 2030.

Huffington Post

The findings of this study certainly plants the seeds for further investigations and for future actions by policymakers that would lay out a path for optimizing the role of dietitians in the management of T2D.

BMC Health Services Research

Therein lies a path, only just begun, to greatness.

Los Angeles Times

A strong showing by the A.K.P. could lay the path for an Erdogan presidency and, eventually, a renewed effort to institute a presidential system, analysts say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lay a path for", ensure that the subsequent outcome or goal is clearly defined to provide context and purpose for the action.

Common error

Avoid using "lay a path for" without specifying what the path leads to. For example, instead of saying "The initiative laid a path", specify "The initiative laid a path for sustainable growth".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay a path for" functions as a verb phrase that often introduces a clause indicating consequence or purpose. It indicates the act of creating opportunities or establishing conditions that facilitate a future outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lay a path for" is a versatile phrase used to describe the action of creating conditions or opportunities that facilitate a future outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While not extremely common, its consistent use across various authoritative sources like the New York Times and academic publications highlights its relevance. It's often found in news, science, and business contexts. To use it effectively, ensure that the intended outcome is clearly specified, and the phrase is most appropriate in neutral to professional registers. Alternatives like "pave the way for" offer similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pave the way for

Focuses on removing obstacles and preparing a smooth route towards a goal.

create opportunities for

Emphasizes the act of generating possibilities and chances.

establish a foundation for

Highlights building a stable and secure starting point.

set the stage for

Implies preparing a setting or scenario for something to occur.

open doors for

Suggests unlocking access and enabling entry to new prospects.

provide a framework for

Focuses on offering a structured set of guidelines and principles.

build a bridge to

Highlights connecting existing situations with future possibilities.

chart a course for

Emphasizes the process of planning and mapping out a route to follow.

prepare the ground for

Implies making conditions suitable for growth and development.

develop prospects for

Focuses on nurturing possibilities and future success.

FAQs

How can I use "lay a path for" in a sentence?

Use "lay a path for" when you want to express that something is creating an opportunity or making something possible. For example, "This research lays a path for new discoveries".

What's a good alternative to "lay a path for"?

Alternatives include "pave the way for", "create opportunities for", or "establish a foundation for".

Is it better to say "lay a path for" or "pave the way for"?

Both "lay a path for" and "pave the way for" are correct and have similar meanings. "Pave the way for" might suggest more effort in removing obstacles.

What does it mean to "lay a path for" someone?

To "lay a path for" someone means to create conditions or opportunities that make it easier for them to achieve something or progress in a particular direction.