Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
metabolic pathway
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "metabolic pathway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in scientific or biological contexts to describe a series of chemical reactions in a cell that lead to a specific product or change. Example: "The study focused on the metabolic pathway involved in glucose metabolism and its implications for energy production."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Fig. 4 Metabolic pathway of butanoate metabolism in Halomonas sp. KM-1.
Science
By what metabolic pathway is this achieved in the body?
News & Media
The drug avoids a major metabolic pathway in the liver that is often used by other drugs, but it does not completely avoid being metabolized by the liver.
News & Media
RiceCyc is a metabolic pathway networks database for rice.
Science
Graphical abstract Major metabolic pathway in cancer initiation by estrogens.
Proteins were manually grouped into 25 metabolic pathway categories.
Science
The main metabolic pathway was the N-demethylation.
Science
The central hexagon represents the super metabolic pathway.
Science
The central hexagon node represents the super metabolic pathway.
Science
Fig. 4 Major metabolic pathway in cancer initiation by estrogens.
Figure 3 Candida albicans proteins for metabolic pathway.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing specific "metabolic pathways", clearly identify the starting and ending compounds to provide context and clarity for your audience.
Common error
Avoid using "metabolic pathway" when you actually mean "metabolic rate", which refers to the speed at which the body processes calories. A "metabolic pathway" is a series of chemical reactions, not a rate.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "metabolic pathway" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it identifies a specific series of biochemical reactions within a cell.
Frequent in
Science
100%
Less common in
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The term "metabolic pathway" is a noun phrase commonly employed in scientific discourse to describe a series of interconnected biochemical reactions within a cell. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily used in formal and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "biochemical pathway" and "metabolic route" exist, "metabolic pathway" is widely accepted and understood in the scientific community. It's crucial to distinguish it from related terms like "metabolic rate" to ensure accuracy in scientific writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
biochemical pathway
Replaces "metabolic" with "biochemical", emphasizing the chemical nature of the pathway.
metabolic route
Substitutes "pathway" with "route", indicating a course or direction of metabolism.
enzymatic pathway
Highlights the role of enzymes in the metabolic process.
metabolic process
Uses a broader term to describe the series of metabolic reactions.
catabolic pathway
Specifies a pathway involved in breaking down molecules.
anabolic pathway
Specifies a pathway involved in building up molecules.
biosynthetic pathway
Highlights the synthesis aspect of the metabolic process.
metabolic network
Emphasizes the interconnectedness of different metabolic pathways.
metabolic cascade
Suggests a sequential series of metabolic events.
cellular metabolism
Refers to the overall metabolic activity within a cell.
FAQs
How to use "metabolic pathway" in a sentence?
The term "metabolic pathway" is used to describe a series of interconnected chemical reactions within a cell. For example: "Glycolysis is a crucial "metabolic pathway" for energy production".
What's the difference between "metabolic pathway" and "metabolic process"?
A "metabolic pathway" refers to a specific series of interconnected biochemical reactions. A "metabolic process" is a broader term that encompasses any chemical reaction involved in metabolism, including individual steps within a pathway.
What are some examples of common "metabolic pathways"?
Common "metabolic pathways" include glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle), the urea cycle, and fatty acid oxidation.
What can I say instead of "metabolic pathway"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "biochemical pathway" or "metabolic route". These terms highlight different aspects of the same concept.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested