rough path

USAGE SUMMARY

'rough path' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a difficult journey or a difficult problem to solve. For example, "It was a long and rough path, but we eventually overcame the challenge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

As for spouses who cheated, Ms. O'Shea prepares them for a rough path back.

The New York Times

A rough path took us through an ancient forest which thinned occasionally but never quite ended.

Independent

Descending the rough path toward a spring stream, I try Steve Shepherd's instructions.

The New York Times - Travel

You should see a rough path leading off in the same direction.

The Guardian - Travel

Follow this steep, rough path to join a track at the bottom.

The Guardian - Travel

We continued our gentle stroll for an hour or so then descended via a rough path to a stone shelter.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

There is no road to the village, so people in the region generally travel on foot or horseback using rough paths, and even in good weather the journey to Faizabad can take 10 to 12 days.

The New York Times

"This is a classic case of nature conservation as against public access," Mr. Palmer said in a recent interview, referring to the erosion of the rough paths leading up from the valley to the heights above.

The New York Times

Both the book, by Doug Wright ("I Am My Own Wife"), and the songs, by Mr. Anastasio and Amanda Green, expose the rough paths that have brought its characters to the same fate, standing around the lot of a Nissan dealership praying for endurance.

The New York Times

But dizzy with the scorching sun beating down on my black-nylon-covered head and constantly stepping on the hem of my abaya trying to keep up on the rough paths, I am afraid the sophisticated level of architecture and Sajjad's talk about its history passed me by.

The Guardian - Travel

The deterministic theory of rough paths then allows mixed SDEs to be solved.

Probability, Uncertainty and Quantitative Risk

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rough path" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes the nature of the difficulty, whether it's a professional challenge, a personal struggle, or a complex problem.

Common error

Avoid using "rough path" in contexts where a literal, physical path is intended but the roughness isn't significant enough to warrant the description. Use more neutral terms like "path" or "trail" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough path" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "rough" modifies the noun "path". It describes a route or course of action that is difficult or uneven. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rough path" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a difficult journey or course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to be applied both literally, referring to a physical path, and metaphorically, describing challenges in various aspects of life. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase effectively communicates the presence of obstacles and the need for resilience. While alternatives like "difficult journey" or "challenging route" may offer nuanced shades of meaning, "rough path" remains a direct and widely understood way to convey the concept of a difficult undertaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bumpy road

Replaces 'path' with 'road', emphasizing the uneven and challenging nature of the journey.

difficult journey

Focuses on the challenging nature of the 'journey' rather than the physical path.

arduous course

Uses 'arduous' to highlight the difficulty and 'course' to suggest a planned route or series of events.

challenging route

Emphasizes the 'challenge' aspect of the route, implying difficulties to overcome.

tough road ahead

Highlights the 'tough' nature of the future, focusing on the difficulties that lie in wait.

demanding process

Shifts the focus to a 'process' that requires significant effort and resilience.

troubled passage

Implies a journey ('passage') filled with 'trouble' and hardship.

thorny issue

Metaphorically represents a problem as something 'thorny', indicating complexity and potential pain.

complex situation

Broadens the scope to a general 'situation' characterized by its 'complexity'.

uneasy course of events

Describes a series of events that are 'uneasy', suggesting instability and potential problems.

FAQs

How can I use "rough path" in a sentence?

"Rough path" can be used to describe both literal and metaphorical journeys: "The hike up the mountain was a "rough path"" or "Starting a new business can be a "rough path", filled with challenges.".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "rough path"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "difficult journey", "challenging route", or "bumpy road" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "rough path" in formal writing?

Yes, "rough path" is grammatically correct and acceptable in formal writing, although in some cases, more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred depending on the specific context and audience.

What's the difference between a "rough path" and a "smooth path"?

A "rough path" implies difficulties, obstacles, and challenges, whereas a "smooth path" suggests ease, lack of impediments, and straightforward progress.