on odyssey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on odyssey" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "on an odyssey," which refers to a long and adventurous journey. Example: "After graduating, she found herself on an odyssey across Europe, exploring new cultures and meeting interesting people."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A thermal-emission spectrometer (TES) similar to the one on Odyssey looks at the minerals.

The Economist

To avoid another fiasco, the space agency spent millions more dollars on Odyssey, raising the mission cost to $297 million.

The New York Times

In a document posted Wednesday on the agency's Web site, Honda said it had concluded that a manufacturing flaw on Odyssey EX-L and Touring models equipped with power liftgates allowed pressurized gas to escape from the struts.

The New York Times

Mr. Maw spent 14 years working on "Odyssey" (while also composing many shorter works), and some critics have seen it as a roadmap of his development: its early movements are harmonically nebulous, yet as the piece unfolds, it moves decisively toward an unambiguous E-flat major conclusion.

The New York Times

As things stand, Nasa could be waiting on Odyssey to make a late pass of the landing site, perhaps five to 10 minutes after the rover's planned touchdown.

BBC

The review concluded by noting that the best songs on Odyssey were those not available as "fleeting radio singles and background music".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

They are embarked on odysseys which have no certain end: for London, the past is "a living, unfinished thing, still bristling with what could be".

The New Yorker

Miller lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her partner, Nathaniel, and is working on her second novel, based on The Odyssey.

The Guardian - Books

Maybe if the president had spent the trillion he squandered on his Iraq odyssey on energy research, we might have broken the oil addiction.

The New York Times

It was a year that saw hundreds of thousands of children and their families on the move leaving behind horrors, on an odyssey of hope through Europe.

Unicef

MARLBORO The Falcon "Cyclops," rock opera based on "The Odyssey".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the article "an" before "odyssey" unless it is part of a title (e.g., a book or film title). For example, prefer "on an odyssey" over "on odyssey".

Common error

Ensure you include the indefinite article "an" before "odyssey" when referring to a journey, as omitting it results in grammatically incorrect phrasing. The correct usage is "on an odyssey".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on odyssey" functions as a prepositional phrase, but it is grammatically incomplete. It needs the indefinite article "an" to be correct. While Ludwig provides examples of the phrase, the Ludwig AI acknowledges that it is not standard written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "on odyssey" appears in various sources, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "on an odyssey". As Ludwig AI indicates, the absence of the article "an" makes the phrase non-standard in written English. While examples exist, its usage is infrequent and found mostly in news, media, and science contexts. To ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, always include "an" before "odyssey" when referring to a journey, and consider alternative phrases like "on a journey" or "on an adventure" for broader applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a journey

Replaces "odyssey" with a more general term for a trip or voyage.

on an adventure

Substitutes "odyssey" with a word implying excitement and risk.

in the midst of an odyssey

Adds emphasis to the ongoing nature of the journey.

undertaking an odyssey

Formalizes the action of beginning a long journey.

embarking on a quest

Implies a more specific and purposeful journey than a general "odyssey".

pursuing a long and winding road

Uses a metaphor to describe a lengthy and complex journey.

navigating a complex path

Focuses on the difficulties and challenges of the journey.

experiencing a transformative journey

Highlights the potential for personal growth and change during the experience.

going through a period of significant change

Shifts the focus from a physical journey to an internal or life-altering experience.

in the process of self-discovery

Implies that the journey is primarily about understanding oneself.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "on odyssey"?

The grammatically correct way to phrase it is "on "on an odyssey"". The indefinite article "an" is required before "odyssey" because it begins with a vowel sound.

When should I use "odyssey"?

"Odyssey" is best used to describe a long, eventful, and adventurous journey, often filled with trials and tribulations. It implies a journey of discovery and transformation, much like the journey of Odysseus in Homer's epic.

What's the difference between "on a journey" and "on an odyssey"?

While both phrases describe a trip, "on "on a journey"" is a general term for any trip. "On "on an odyssey"" suggests a more epic and transformative experience, often involving challenges and significant personal growth.

What are some synonyms for "odyssey"?

Synonyms for "odyssey" include "adventure", "quest", "voyage", and "pilgrimage". The best choice depends on the specific context and the type of journey you wish to describe.