pave the way

USAGE SUMMARY

"pave the way" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when you help to make something easier for someone else in the future. For example, "Our efforts to raise money to build a new school will pave the way for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their books must pave the way.

The New York Times

That did pave the way.

Harvard University

Pave the way to get to 50 percent.

The New York Times

But she helped pave the way.

The New York Times

It's so hard to pave the way.

The Guardian

Charter schools pave the way for vouchers.

The Washington Post

They often pave the way for others.

The Guardian - Business

The findings could pave the way to delivering personalized treatments.

Cornell University

Will Bitcoin pave the way for a new decentralized internet?

Princeton University

A partisan national debate could help pave the way.

The New York Times

A mutually observed ceasefire would pave the way.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pave the way" to emphasize that current actions will simplify future developments or opportunities. For example, "Investing in renewable energy will "pave the way" for a sustainable future".

Common error

Avoid using "pave the way" when the impact is minimal or uncertain. Instead, reserve it for situations where the connection between the action and future outcome is clear and significant.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "pave the way" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an action that makes a future event or development easier or more likely to occur. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pave the way" is a very common idiomatic expression used to describe actions that simplify or enable future events. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and widespread application across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. It's considered grammatically sound and serves to emphasize the long-term benefits of present efforts. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to use it when the impact of the action is clear and substantial. Alternatives like "set the stage" or "clear the path" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set the stage

Emphasizes preparing conditions to enhance the likelihood of success.

clear a path

Highlights the act of removing obstacles to allow for easier passage or progress.

prepare the ground

Highlights actions that make it ready for a new stage or activity

smooth the path

Focuses on removing difficulties and making things easier or more pleasant.

blaze a trail

Conveys the sense of being the first to do something, making it easier for others to follow.

unlock the way

Emphasizes removing obstacles that were previously blocking progress.

chart the way

Focuses on planning and direction more than easing progress.

create an opening

Highlights the act of establishing an initial opportunity or possibility.

build a foundation

Stresses establishing a solid groundwork or base for future development.

establish a precedent

Focuses on setting an example or standard that can be followed in similar situations.

FAQs

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

Use "pave the way" to indicate that something makes a future action or development easier or more likely. For instance, "This new technology will "pave the way" for further innovation".

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

You can use alternatives like "set the stage", "clear the path", or "lay the groundwork" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "pave the way" or "lead the way"?

"Pave the way" implies making future progress easier, while "lead the way" means guiding or directing others. The best choice depends on whether you're simplifying future actions or providing guidance.

What's the difference between "pave the way" and "open the door"?

"Pave the way" suggests preparing for smoother progress or development. "Open the door" implies creating an initial opportunity or access to something.