path away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "path away" is not a standard or commonly used expression in written English.
It may be intended to convey the idea of moving away from a certain path or direction, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "He decided to take a path away from the crowded city streets and into the quiet woods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

After serving prison time, he walked an erratic path away from his troubled youth.

The New York Times

All the same, they do offer a path away from pariahdom.

The Economist

8 Next, follow the surfaced path away from the Box Hill centre.

The Guardian - Travel

"For poor countries," McMillan writes, "they offer the most reliable path away from poverty.

The New York Times - Books

His symphonies represent a great contrast with Mahler's, and he strikes a new path away from the sonata.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I'd taken the path away from it and then realised that this was the way I had to go.

The Guardian - Sport

With the show winding up, dozens of villagers began hurrying down the dirt path away from the village.

The New York Times

The United States has urged China to exercise caution and restraint and should be increasingly active in helping the two nations find a path away from confrontation.

The New York Times

MILAN — Who would have thought that Gucci would take the route to its roots, treading a sensible path away from flash and splash?

The New York Times

To many, he represented the road not taken, a purer path, away from career, away from capitalism, away from the clock.

The New York Times - Sports

When images of breastfeeding and postpartum tummies enter our popular culture, they will help to provide a path away from ignorance and embarrassment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "path away", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being moved away from. For instance, specify whether it's a physical location, a metaphorical situation, or a concept.

Common error

Avoid using "path away" excessively in metaphorical contexts without providing concrete examples. Overuse can make your writing vague and less impactful. Instead, balance metaphorical usage with specific, tangible details to enhance clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "path away" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the direction or manner of movement, both literally and figuratively. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing physical routes and abstract departures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "path away" serves to describe movement or divergence, both literally and figuratively. As analyzed by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register. While grammatically correct, it is important to ensure clarity by specifying what is being moved away from. Alternatives such as "route away" or "way out" can be considered for nuanced expressions. Overall, understanding its varied contexts helps in effectively using the phrase "path away" in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

route away

Focuses on a specific course or direction taken to move away from something.

way out

Suggests a means of escape or a solution to get away from a problem or situation.

road leading away

Emphasizes the directional aspect of a road that diverges from a certain point.

avenue for departure

A more formal phrase indicating a method or opportunity for leaving.

course of removal

Highlights the process or planned method for taking something away.

trajectory of divergence

A technical term indicating a planned or expected path that veers away.

escape route

Specifically implies a route designed for fleeing or avoiding something.

means of evasion

Suggests a method for avoiding or escaping something undesirable.

alternative route

Highlights a different or substitute path to avoid the current one.

exit strategy

Refers to a plan for withdrawing from a situation, often used in business or politics.

FAQs

How can I use "path away" in a sentence?

You can use "path away" to describe a physical route, as in "They followed a "path away" from the village", or to describe a metaphorical departure, as in "He sought a "path away" from his troubled past".

What's a more formal alternative to "path away"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "route of removal" or "avenue for departure", depending on the context.

Is "path away" always used in a negative context?

No, "path away" is not always negative. While it often describes moving away from something undesirable, it can also refer to a neutral or positive departure, such as charting a new course or diverging from a norm.

What words usually follow "path away"?

Common words following "path away" include "from", indicating what is being moved away from (e.g., "a "path away" from danger"), or descriptive adjectives that specify the qualities of the path itself (e.g., "a lonely "path away"").