path forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "path forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an approach or plan for achieving a goal. For example, "We need to come up with a path forward for increasing revenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What's the path forward?

The New York Times

Fortunately, we have a path forward.

The New York Times

But his path forward is not easy.

Independent

There is a path forward.

The Guardian

For giving us a path forward.

The Guardian - Opinion

"All this was was a path forward.

The New Yorker

What might be the path forward in the new year?

The New York Times

Inclusion, the moderates say, is the sensible path forward.

The New York Times

Answer that question and the path forward becomes clear.

The New York Times

For the first time, we can see the path forward".

The New York Times - Health

But Mr. Romney did not define a clear path forward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "path forward" to clearly articulate a proposed solution or plan when addressing complex issues.

Common error

Avoid using "path forward" when simpler terms like "solution" or "plan" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "path forward" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a course of action or a plan for future progress, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "path forward" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that refers to a plan or strategy for future progress. As Ludwig confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and is often used in news, science, and business contexts. While versatile, it's best employed when articulating clear strategies, and overuse in simple contexts should be avoided. Alternatives such as "course of action" or "way ahead" can provide variety. Overall, "path forward" is a valuable phrase for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

course of action

Emphasizes a defined series of steps or activities to achieve a specific goal.

plan of action

Highlights the structured and strategic nature of the approach.

way ahead

Offers a more concise and informal alternative, focusing on future progress.

strategic direction

Stresses the long-term and overarching goals of the plan.

future direction

Similar to strategic direction but with a stronger focus on time.

next steps

Focuses on the immediate actions required to move forward.

game plan

Implies a more tactical and competitive approach to achieving objectives.

road map

Provides a detailed and visual representation of the steps and milestones.

method of procedure

Refers to more regulated or bureaucratic contexts.

suggested approach

Suggests tentative and preliminary plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "path forward" to describe a plan or strategy for achieving a particular goal. For example, "The company needs to develop a "path forward" to increase its market share".

What are some alternatives to "path forward"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "course of action", "plan of action", or "way ahead".

Is it correct to use "paths forward" instead of "path forward"?

While "path forward" typically refers to a general direction or strategy, "paths forward" can be used when discussing multiple possible routes or plans. Both are grammatically correct, but their appropriateness depends on the specific context.

When is it best to use "path forward" in formal writing?

"Path forward" is suitable for formal and professional writing when you need to clearly articulate a strategy or plan, especially in business, academic, or policy contexts.