path

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "path" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a route (often physical) that leads to a destination, either literal or metaphorical, or to refer to a chosen course of action. For example: "He was determined to stay on the path he had chosen, no matter the obstacles in his way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"International unity will collapse and the path to conflict will widen".

The Guardian

As an environmentalist, and someone who believes that everyone in this world has a right to a healthy and nutritious diet of their choosing, I could not have chosen a more counter-productive path.

The New York Times

By my mid-twenties my career was on a distinct and structured path.

The Guardian

The path to the university, whose president is Donna Shalala, the long-serving health secretary during both terms of Bill Clinton's administration, is well trodden by White House hopefuls: Mitt Romney was here three weeks ago for a Spanish-language interview in an attempt to woo the Hispanic vote.

The Guardian

It is not a path to the eradication of poverty but only a measure to ease it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Brett Pitman could not take advantage after Teddy Bishop had inadvertently put the ball in his path and that was followed by two smart saves from Bartosz Bialkowski, firstly from Ryan Fraser and then swooping to his right to deny Ritchie's 30-yarder.

The Guardian - Sport

But after a clear defeat – 55.3% to 44.7% – the SNP had been thrown a lifeline within hours of the result, undermining the Labour party and highlighting a path to a second referendum.

The Guardian

We should show our own strength and belief in the values of democracy and tolerance, and above all we should demonstrate that the future, however hard the path to it is, does not, and never will, belong to fanatics but will be with those who believe that we should live in peace with each other, whatever our race, nation, colour or religion.

The Guardian

The new international agreement we seek must be effective - so it must include all nations, and must ensure that the world is set on a path to avoiding dangerous climate change.

The Guardian - Opinion

The global public will need to see that the post-2012 agreement clearly sets the world on a path towards the peaking and decline of global emissions.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It required a heart-stopping flight from Kinshasa to the regional capital of Kisangani, then 350km down a jarring, one-rut bicycle path on the back of a motorcycle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "path" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the direction or goal being pursued.

Common error

Avoid using "path" in overly abstract or vague contexts where a more specific term like "strategy" or "approach" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "path" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading, or a course or direction in which something is moving or something is developing. As Ludwig AI confirms, "path" is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "path" is a versatile noun used to describe both physical routes and metaphorical courses of action. With a "Correct" grammatical status, as per Ludwig AI, it's "Very common" and suitable for diverse contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "path" maintains a neutral tone. When employing "path", it is important to ensure clarity, especially in abstract contexts, and to use specific alternatives such as "route" or "course" where appropriate. As seen in Ludwig's examples, the term is widely employed across a range of reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

route

Focuses on the specific course taken to reach a destination.

course

Emphasizes the direction or trajectory followed, often in a metaphorical sense.

trajectory

Implies a projected or planned route, especially in technical contexts.

way

A general term for the direction or manner in which something is done.

direction

Highlights the orientation or line of movement.

road

Suggests a literal or figurative route to a particular goal.

itinerary

Focuses on a planned sequence of destinations or actions.

line of action

Describes a planned or chosen series of steps taken to achieve a goal.

course of events

Highlights the sequence of occurrences or developments in a situation.

progression

Implies a gradual or sequential advancement along a route or towards a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "path" in a sentence?

You can use "path" to describe a physical route, as in "The "path" led through the forest", or a metaphorical course of action, like "He chose a "path" of diplomacy".

What's a good alternative to the word "path"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "path" include "route", "course", "way", or "direction".

Is it correct to use "path" when referring to a career?

Yes, "path" is often used metaphorically to describe a career trajectory, as in "She embarked on a career "path" in medicine".

How does the metaphorical use of "path" differ from its literal meaning?

While the literal meaning refers to a physical route, the metaphorical use of "path" refers to a course of action, a way of life, or a "trajectory", often implying a journey with a specific destination or goal.