pathways

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pathways" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to routes, methods, or approaches to achieve something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The research explores various pathways to improve mental health in adolescents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stop off along the way at Calke Abbey to join the National Trust's seven-night working holiday maintaining pathways and constructing tree guards.

The Guardian - Travel

We need to have more of that catalysing of cross-fertilisation of these discussions across our different groups in order to have a more systemic and more holistic conversation towards what is the vision we would like to see, how can we collectively begin exploring different pathways to doing that.

The Guardian

As more tales of student sexism materialise, institutions should be pressured to: Create and publicise clear reporting and referral pathways for students of all genders who experience harassment and violence.

The Guardian

From busy roads to quiet estate pathways, canal towpaths to back streets, they move with astonishingly little regard for anyone else, leaving old and young, pedestrians and fellow two-wheelers spinning in their self-righteous wake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We will ensure that all teachers become properly qualified, continue to build their skills and are able to pursue new career pathways that keep the best teachers in the classrooms".

The Guardian

Xi has appeared conciliatory in public, telling the state news agency Xinhua on Monday that the new trade liberalisation plan "does not go against existing free trade arrangements which are potential pathways to realise FTAAP's goals".

The Guardian

When confronted with a choice between two treatment pathways in equipoise – one that earns the doctor no money and the other with a fat fee attached – that conflict is stark.

The Guardian

There is a consensus across the sector, from finance professionals and clinical staff, that change can only happen by changing patient pathways – for example providing more services in the community to support patients to manage their conditions and avoid inpatient hospital admissions.

The Guardian

"The restaurant industry provides real pathways to the middle class and beyond, and dramatic increases in the minimum wage will only hinder our ability to provide stepping stones for those who need it most," the association said in a statement.

The Guardian - Business

Emirates (0844 800 2777; emirates.com/uk) flies to Dubai from six UK airports from £374 One of the most remote villages on the island, Tejeda makes a perfect base for a walking holiday in the Unesco Biosphere Reserve, laced with ancient paved pathways called caminos reales.

The Guardian - Travel

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.20pm BST23 20 Our polling impresario Harry Enten lays out three possible pathways for Mitt Romney to win the electoral college through the battleground states: So, how does Romney get over the top?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pathways" to describe a structured series of actions or steps leading to a particular outcome. For example, "career pathways" or "treatment pathways".

Common error

Avoid using "pathways" when a simple "route" or "direction" would suffice. "Pathways" implies a more complex and strategic approach than a mere course.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pathways" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple routes, methods, or approaches. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is frequently used in diverse contexts to describe routes and strategies, both literal and figurative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pathways" is a grammatically sound and frequently used plural noun referring to multiple routes, methods, or approaches. According to Ludwig AI, its versatility allows it to fit into a wide array of contexts, from describing career trajectories to scientific processes. While interchangeable with terms like "routes" and "avenues", "pathways" often implies a more structured and strategic approach. Given its common usage in news, science, and formal business settings, writers can confidently employ "pathways" across diverse registers. However, it's important to ensure that "pathways" is appropriate in describing a complex and strategic approach instead of a mere route.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

routes

This alternative is a direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "pathways" to describe a course of action or direction.

avenues

This alternative suggests a broader, more figurative sense of approaches or opportunities, rather than physical paths.

courses of action

This alternative emphasizes the strategic and deliberate nature of "pathways", focusing on the planned sequence of steps.

strategies

This alternative is more abstract and suitable when discussing methods to achieve a specific goal.

approaches

This alternative is general and can be used in various contexts to describe how something is tackled or handled.

methods

This alternative focuses on the specific procedures or techniques used in a "pathway".

channels

This alternative implies a means of conveying or directing something, often used in the context of communication or distribution.

mechanisms

This alternative is suitable when describing the detailed processes or systems that constitute a "pathway".

roads

This alternative is a more direct synonym for physical "pathways", suitable when referring to routes or journeys.

courses

This alternative emphasizes the progression or flow of a "pathway", suggesting a series of stages or steps.

FAQs

How can I use "pathways" in a sentence?

You can use "pathways" to refer to various routes, methods, or approaches to achieve something. For example, "The organization developed "career pathways" for its employees", or "Scientists are exploring new "treatment pathways" for the disease".

What's the difference between "pathways" and "routes"?

"Pathways" often implies a more structured and strategic approach, while "routes" typically refers to a more direct or physical course. However, they can be used interchangeably in many contexts.

Are there any formal alternatives to "pathways"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "courses of action", "strategies", or "approaches" in formal contexts.

Is "pathways" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "pathways" is suitable for academic writing, especially when discussing processes, mechanisms, or structured approaches in research or analysis. For example, "signaling pathways" in biology.