path less traveled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "path less traveled" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a choice or decision that is unconventional or not commonly taken by others. Example: "In her career, she chose the path less traveled, opting for a startup instead of a corporate job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Niger has a fantastic, if modest, "rough travel" industry for intrepid sorts wanting to take the path less traveled, but there are some parts of the country one simply should not go, no matter how beguiling.

HuffPost

I discovered that if you take the path less traveled, you have a lot less competition.

The New York Times

But Ms. Meriwether takes the dramatic path less traveled and turns him into the romantic lead.

The New York Times

Girls who choose baseball in high school are taking a rocky path less traveled.

The New York Times - Sports

I have taken the path less traveled, that's for damn sure.

Princeton University

Dave's science often took the path less traveled, with results that have seeded large and active fields.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

This is the third of his occasional reports from the paths less traveled.

The New York Times

So, after you have seen the smart, laconic Ed Ruscha retrospective at the Hirshhorn, you would do well to check out a few local art paths less traveled by.

The New York Times - Arts

An article like this, they write, is not only invaluable for teaching a Common Core skill like analogies, but also for teaching students about the interconnectedness of the world — and how fostering a culture of reading in schools can lead classes down paths less traveled … literally.

The New York Times

This riveting biographical interview shows Roy first balancing the turbulence of 1960s French student life and hitchhiking, sometimes walking, through Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, learning Persian and seeking the paths less traveled, even as the remote places over time turned into war zones.

Columbia University

What about an assistant that guides me down paths less traveled?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "path less traveled" to add a touch of metaphorical depth when describing choices that deviate from the norm. This can make your writing more engaging and thought-provoking.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "path less traveled" in predictable or trite situations. Overusing common phrases diminishes their impact. Consider more original phrasing to convey uniqueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "path less traveled" functions as a metaphorical noun phrase. It represents an unconventional choice or course of action, contrasting with more typical or expected routes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "path less traveled" serves as a potent metaphor for unconventional choices and unique experiences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. This phrase encourages individuality and the pursuit of novel experiences, and while it can enrich writing with metaphorical depth, it's essential to avoid overusing it in cliché situations. Alternatives like "unconventional route" or "road less taken" may offer a fresh perspective while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

road less taken

A direct synonym, highlighting the choice of a less common direction.

off the beaten path

Describes a route or experience away from typical tourist spots.

unconventional route

Focuses on the departure from standard procedures or directions.

nontraditional approach

Emphasizes a departure from conventional methods or practices.

divergent path

Implies a path that branches away from a common or expected route.

alternative course

Suggests a different plan or strategy from the usual.

unique journey

Highlights the distinct and individual nature of an experience.

uncharted territory

Highlights the exploration of unknown or unfamiliar areas.

lesser-known way

Indicates a route or method that is not widely recognized or used.

uncommon choice

Focuses on selecting an option that is not typically preferred or made.

FAQs

How can I use "path less traveled" in a sentence?

You can use "path less traveled" to describe a decision or approach that is unconventional or not commonly chosen. For example, "In her career, she chose the "path less traveled", opting for a startup instead of a corporate job."

What is another way to say "path less traveled"?

Alternatives to "path less traveled" include "unconventional route", "road less taken", or "alternative course", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to take the "path less traveled"?

Taking the "path less traveled" can lead to unique experiences and opportunities, but it also often involves more risk and uncertainty. The best choice depends on individual preferences and circumstances.

What does "taking the path less traveled" imply?

Taking the "path less traveled" implies choosing an option that is not widely accepted or frequently pursued, often suggesting a more challenging or innovative approach.