on this trail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on this trail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific path or route, often in the context of hiking, exploration, or metaphorical journeys. Example: "As we walked on this trail, we marveled at the beauty of the surrounding nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But remember! you might not be the only one on this trail, so take any opportunities as they come!

WikiHow

The trail continued to drop, turning back on itself; another, lower trail ran parallel to it now, and would join it within a few yards, and on this trail two figures were hurrying, one of them, in the lead, a large beast running on all fours.

The New Yorker

But on this trail, the extent of destruction gave us pause.

The New York Times - Travel

You will see some of the finest Welsh countryside on this trail.

The Guardian

My mother would take us biking on this trail in Shark Valley, a saw grass prairie lined with alligators.

The New York Times - Travel

The lead bloodhound on this trail was Peter Swales, a man who once called himself "the punk historian of psychoanalysis".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Follow this trail on to Gammliavagen and turn left after the sports centre.

Independent

I've hiked this trail on sunny days and in the fog, and I actually prefer the fog.

The New York Times - Travel

The woman at the visitor center hadn't suggested we hike this trail; on the others she had recommended, we had indeed seen new flora growth.

The New York Times - Travel

Now, Donna, my wife, has done this trail on several occasions, coming back each time smiling and exhausted.

Los Angeles Times

It contradicts everything that I've been saying on this campaign trail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a journey or exploration, use "on this trail" to create a vivid sense of place and immediacy for the reader. It helps to put readers in the traveler's shoes and imagine they are there.

Common error

Avoid using "on this trail" in purely abstract or metaphorical contexts where a physical path isn't implied. Opt for alternatives like "in this endeavor" or "within this framework" to maintain clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

"On this trail" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun by indicating location, direction, or circumstance. It often specifies where an action takes place or provides context to a situation. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on this trail" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a specific path or route, both literally and metaphorically. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in news, media, academic and informal writing. While generally neutral in tone, context is important to provide a real sense of place for your readers. Though the phrase follows standard grammatical rules, remember it's best to avoid using it in purely abstract contexts where a physical path isn't implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

along this path

Focuses on the physical route or way being followed.

on this route

Emphasizes a planned or designated course of travel.

on this track

Implies a course of action or progress toward a goal.

in this direction

Highlights the orientation or bearing of movement.

following this course

Suggests adherence to a specific method or procedure.

pursuing this line

Indicates active engagement in a particular endeavor or strategy.

by this method

Focuses on the means or technique being employed.

through this process

Highlights a series of actions or steps leading to an outcome.

within this framework

Indicates operation or existence within a defined set of rules or principles.

under these circumstances

Emphasizes the situational context influencing actions or events.

FAQs

How can I use "on this trail" in a sentence?

You can use "on this trail" to describe a physical path you are following, as in "We saw many wildflowers "on this trail"." It can also be used metaphorically, as in "The lead bloodhound "on this trail" was Peter Swales".

What's a good alternative to "on this trail" when referring to a physical path?

Alternatives such as "along this path", "on this route", or even simply "here" can work well depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "on this trail" when discussing a career path or journey?

Yes, "on this trail" can be used metaphorically to describe a career path or journey, implying a specific course or direction being followed. However, consider if a more specific phrase like "in this endeavor" might be more precise.

Can "on this trail" be used to describe something other than a literal or metaphorical journey?

While primarily used for journeys, "on this trail" can also describe being 'on the path' to discovery or progress. Ensure the context is clear enough to avoid confusion; otherwise, use more explicit language.