path to follow

USAGE SUMMARY

'path to follow' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe the course of action someone should take. For example: I am unsure of what to do next; I need to find a path to follow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People say she's following in my footsteps, but she's got her own path to follow".

BBC

But most people think that's the path to follow.

The New York Times

Some may see in this a path to follow.

The Economist

But it is a dangerous path to follow.

The Economist

In the end she must choose a path to follow.

The New York Times - Books

I can think of no finer path to follow.

The New York Times

It's no easy path to follow; it takes a long time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Take the sharp left path to follow the river bank to Day's Lock and a weir.

The Guardian - Travel

It can be a stressful career path to follow and your work is constantly scrutinised.

The Guardian

But when Dreiser started out he had no path to follow.

The New Yorker

But the transaction with Yeshiva was seen as the best path to follow, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "path to follow", ensure that the context clearly defines the goal or destination. This makes the guidance more actionable and relevant.

Common error

Do not use "path to follow" without specifying what the path leads to or why it is being followed. Overly general use can make your writing seem unfocused and unhelpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "path to follow" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a course of action, a strategy, or a direction that one might take. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is often used to describe a course of action someone should take.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "path to follow" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a course of action, strategy, or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It's frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications, indicating its suitability for diverse contexts. When using "path to follow", ensure that the destination or goal is clear to avoid vagueness. By considering alternative phrases like "course of action" or "way forward", you can fine-tune your writing to convey the precise meaning you intend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

course of action

Focuses on the specific steps or activities involved.

way forward

Emphasizes progress and movement toward a goal.

direction to take

Highlights the act of choosing a specific route or approach.

route to pursue

Implies a more determined and active following of a course.

strategy to implement

Suggests a planned and deliberate set of actions.

plan to execute

Focuses on the practical steps and execution of a strategy.

avenue to explore

Suggests investigation and discovery.

method to adopt

Highlights the selection and implementation of a particular method.

approach to use

Emphasizes a particular manner or style of dealing with something.

procedure to undertake

Refers to a formal and structured set of actions.

FAQs

How can I use "path to follow" in a sentence?

"Path to follow" is often used to describe a course of action or a strategy. For example, "The 9/11 Commission has given us a "path to follow", endorsed by Democrats, Republicans and the 9/11 families."

What's a good alternative to "path to follow"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "course of action", "way forward", or "direction to take". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is "path to follow" formal or informal?

The phrase "path to follow" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

Which is a better choice, "path to follow" or "way to go"?

While both phrases suggest a direction, "path to follow" implies a more structured or strategic approach. "Way to go" is generally used as an expression of encouragement or approval, making "path to follow" more suitable in scenarios needing planning or decision-making.