path dependent

USAGE SUMMARY

"path dependent" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to decision-making and outcomes being influenced or determined by previous choices or events. Example: Investment strategies for a particular company can be path dependent, meaning that the success or failure of one decision can heavily impact future decisions and outcomes.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Certain policies therefore may be path dependent.

Nature

Technological development is inherently path dependent.

MIT Technology Review

That would mean the culture of a company is very path dependent.

Harvard Business Review

Since heat is path dependent, however, we must specify the process, i.e., the path, to find.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Similarly, on the international level, securities harmonization may trivialize path dependent variations in national law.

Columbia University

Figure 2.3: The change in energy between two states is not path dependent.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In addition, chess is not "path dependent --the pieces are where they are, andependent --thedependent --thehow they got there.

Forbes

These things follow a path-dependent course.

The New York Times

Why isn't Medicare a model for a path-dependent reform?

The New Yorker

With path-dependent processes, the outcome is unpredictable at the start.

The New Yorker

In dynamic asset pricing, the model yields volatile, path-dependent prices.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "path dependent", clarify which past events or decisions are influencing the current situation. This adds clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "path dependent" vaguely. Always specify the earlier events, decisions, or conditions that have led to the current state. This makes your argument more compelling and easier to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "path dependent" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a noun or situation whose current state is significantly influenced by its past trajectory. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

24%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "path dependent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves as an adjective, highlighting that the present condition of something is strongly shaped by its historical development. Its usage is particularly common in scientific, academic, and news contexts, indicating that past events have lasting consequences. To enhance clarity in writing, it's essential to specify the historical context or past decisions that have shaped the current situation. While alternatives exist, such as "contingent on prior events" or "shaped by past decisions", "path dependent" remains a precise and effective way to convey this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shaped by past decisions

Indicates that previous choices have molded the present situation, emphasizing the role of decision-making.

contingent on prior events

Highlights the dependence of an outcome on preceding occurrences, using more formal language.

influenced by historical context

Underscores the effect of historical background on current circumstances, employing broader terminology.

a product of its history

Suggests that the current state is a result of accumulated past events, changing the sentence construction.

dependent on initial conditions

Stresses the significance of starting points in determining subsequent states, focusing on the starting point.

determined by its trajectory

Implies that the path taken dictates the outcome, focusing on the direction of events.

history matters

Emphasizes the importance of historical context in shaping current events, using a more concise phrasing.

legacy effects

Uses a term that specifically refers to the enduring impact of past events, using concise terminology.

sequence-dependent

Focuses on the order of events being crucial to the outcome, employing technical language.

evolutionary

Highlights the gradual development where each step depends on the previous one, using a single adjective.

FAQs

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

You can use "path dependent" to describe situations where the outcome is significantly influenced by the series of events that preceded it. For example, "The company's current strategy is path dependent, reflecting decisions made during its early stages".

What does "path dependent" mean?

The term "path dependent" describes a process in which past events or decisions dictate or limit future possibilities. It suggests that history matters, and initial conditions can have long-lasting effects.

Which is correct, "path dependent" or "path dependant"?

"Path dependent" is the correct spelling. "Path dependant" is a misspelling and should be avoided.

What are some alternatives to "path dependent"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "contingent on prior events", "dependent on initial conditions", or "shaped by past decisions".