pave the path

USAGE SUMMARY

"pave the path" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase can be used to indicate that you are providing a way for someone to achieve a goal. For example: "By offering mentorship opportunities, we are paving the path for our younger employees to find success within the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Books, not bullets, will pave the path toward peace and prosperity.

Independent

In fact, it is education and job skills that will pave the path to self-sufficiency.

The New York Times

"Books not bullets," says Malala, "will pave the path towards peace and prosperity".

The Guardian

Will triumphs of Trump and Brexit pave the path to power for Europe's right-leaning parties?

Harvard University

He helped pave the path for state primaries -- not party bosses -- to dictate delegate support.

The Washington Post

Understanding the roles of possible irregularities can pave the path for subtly designing graphene for the practical applications.

Materials Today Chemistry

Recent advances in microscopy have begun to pave the path for linking molecular dynamics with subsynaptic structures.

Current Opinion in Neurobiology

But where Frank Schleck was once expected to pave the path for his brother's triumph, he now sits in better position, 1 14 ahead of Andy.

The New York Times - Sports

Turning to same-sex marriage, Mr. Romney said that, "This president has tried to pave the path for same sex marriage to spread across the country".

The New York Times

The encyclopedia cemented the movement's main claim: that knowledge of the human world, and the identification of its fundamental principles, would pave the path of progress.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

That's paving the path to authoritarianism.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pave the path" to describe actions that create a clear and accessible route to a specific goal or outcome. For example, "Investing in education will pave the path to a brighter future for our children."

Common error

Avoid using "pave the path" when the action only has a minor or indirect impact. This phrase implies a significant and direct contribution to achieving a specific outcome.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pave the path" is as a verb phrase. It typically functions as a metaphor to describe actions that facilitate or enable future progress or success. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression suggests creating a way or making it easier for something to happen.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pave the path" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies creating opportunities or facilitating progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for diverse communication styles. When using "pave the path", it's important to ensure the described action has a significant and direct impact on the intended outcome. Alternatives like "lay the groundwork" or "create opportunities" can be used to add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear a path

Similar to the original, but with a more active connotation of removing obstacles.

lay the groundwork

Highlights preparing a foundation for future developments.

prepare the way

Focuses on the preparatory aspect of making something possible.

facilitate progress

Directly indicates making advancement smoother or more likely.

smooth the way

Indicates easing difficulties and obstacles.

create opportunities

Focuses on generating openings or chances for advancement.

forge a path

Implies creating a new route or opportunity where none existed before.

set the stage

Implies arranging circumstances to facilitate an event or outcome.

open the door

Emphasizes providing initial access or possibilities.

make way for

Suggests clearing obstacles to allow something to proceed.

FAQs

How can I use "pave the path" in a sentence?

Use "pave the path" to describe actions that create opportunities or make progress easier. For example, "Mentorship programs "pave the path" for young professionals to advance in their careers".

What can I say instead of "pave the path"?

You can use alternatives like "lay the groundwork", "create opportunities", or "open the door", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "pave the path" in formal writing?

Yes, "pave the path" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and professional way to describe making progress or creating opportunities. Its use is demonstrated in news articles, academic papers, and business documents.

What's the difference between "pave the path" and "clear the way"?

"Pave the path" suggests creating a smoother, more accessible route forward, while "clear the way" implies removing obstacles that are currently blocking progress. The former is about building, the latter is about removing.