on a bad path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a bad path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or course of action that is likely to lead to negative outcomes. Example: "If we continue to ignore the warning signs, we are definitely on a bad path towards failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

That puts you on a bad path".

The New York Times

Shortly thereafter, an XM director quit its board saying the company was on a bad path.

Forbes

Neither is true, but these kinds of initial mis-matches can set a new relationship on a bad path.

Forbes

Of course, even the most seasoned Mario player will eventually find themselves landing on a bad path, possibly down a hole on the business end of a goomba.

TechCrunch

And for approximately 80 of those years, most of the developed world was not on a bad path.

Huffington Post

"It was already on a bad path," the aide said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss strategy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But she got on to a bad path, she allowed herself to be influenced," Khemissa said.

The Guardian

The other was an altogether more subtle story of the day-to-day costs of police work; a story of corruption both small scale and large and of the seemingly insignificant decisions which combine to force a good man on to a bad path.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Make sure you spend time with your brother on a regular basis because if not he is more likely to head down a bad path in life or be depressed and angry.

WikiHow

In this arena – education – we are slipping inexorably down a bad path.

Forbes

You don't have to go down a bad path.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a bad path", consider the specific consequences you want to emphasize. For instance, "on the road to ruin" is more dramatic than simply "on a bad path".

Common error

Avoid using "on a bad path" in contexts that require literal descriptions. Ensure that the figurative language enhances rather than obscures the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a bad path" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the state or direction of a subject, indicating that they are proceeding towards an undesirable outcome. This is supported by examples in Ludwig, where the phrase modifies actions or situations leading to negative results. Ludwig AI also confirms the phrase to be usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a bad path" effectively conveys that a person, organization, or situation is progressing toward an undesirable outcome. While grammatically correct and usable as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequency is uncommon, suggesting a need for nuanced application. Predominantly found in news and media, and wiki articles, it serves to express concern or caution against a current course. More formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "following a flawed strategy". When using "on a bad path", consider its impact and whether more descriptive language would enhance clarity. Also be careful and check all alternative phrases that the tool suggested.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heading down the wrong road

This alternative uses the metaphor of a journey to suggest a misguided direction.

on the road to ruin

This phrase emphasizes the potential for catastrophic consequences.

going astray

Implies a deviation from a correct or moral course.

on a dangerous course

Highlights the presence of risks and potential harm.

drifting in the wrong direction

Suggests a lack of control and a gradual movement towards undesirable outcomes.

taking a turn for the worse

This idiom indicates a shift from a positive to a negative state.

on a slippery slope

Implies that one action will lead to a series of increasingly negative consequences.

walking a dangerous line

Emphasizes the precariousness and potential for error in a given situation.

following a flawed strategy

Focuses on the inadequacy or incorrectness of a plan or method.

making poor choices

Highlights the role of individual decisions in leading to negative outcomes.

FAQs

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

Being "on a bad path" signifies that someone or something is following a course of action that is likely to lead to negative or undesirable outcomes.

What can I say instead of "on a bad path"?

You can use alternatives like "heading down the wrong road", "on the road to ruin", or "going astray", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "on a bad path" too informal for professional writing?

While "on a bad path" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "on a dangerous course" or "following a flawed strategy" might be more appropriate in certain professional contexts.

How can I use "on a bad path" in a sentence?

You can use "on a bad path" to describe various situations, such as: "The company is on a bad path if it continues to ignore customer feedback", or "He realized he was on a bad path and decided to change his life".