routes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "routes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun or verb to refer to a way or path, either taken by someone or used in general. Example: Running is a great way to stay in shape and explore new routes around the city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Tickets are valid on all other routes into London and Southern passengers are advised to avoid travelling through Clapham Junction, which is very busy.

The Guardian

After 9/11 Uzbekistan became a close strategic partner of the US, providing military facilities and transit routes to support US and Nato operations in Afghanistan.

The Guardian

But these land routes have become less viable in recent months, squeezed by border crackdowns.

The Guardian

There are two possible routes, either by train to Paris and then on to the southern French port of Sète, from where the ferry to Tangier takes 36 hours, or alternatively, you can take the train to Madrid and onto Algeciras, before the 90-minute crossing to Morocco.

The Guardian - Travel

Downtown Portland, for its part, has even designated special skateboard routes.

The Guardian

Saddle up on a pre-1987 bike and choose from 30-, 50- and 100-mile routes through the Derbyshire countryside, as well as a festival celebrating the food, drink and landscape of the area.

The Guardian - Travel

And if hitching has been all but abolished from major routes in Britain, it remains a handy way to get about in the Highlands and islands.

The Guardian - Opinion

Getting more energy from renewables; increased energy efficiency; reducing the income gap; putting more reliable, durable products on the market (have you heard of planned obsolescence?); volunteering more for your community; preserving wetlands, forests, and farmland; shorter commutes and transport routes.

The Guardian

Drivers can use Siri to plot routes and get directions via voice.

The Guardian - Tech

Barely educated, though reputedly highly intelligent, Chapo rose to become a second-tier drug lord in the late 1980s, a time when Sinaloa-based Mexican traffickers were taking advantage of the new opportunities opened by the need of Colombian cartels to move their drugs through Mexico following US success at shutting down Caribbean routes.

The Guardian

Traders willing to maintain trading routes, or with sufficient stock, often hiked prices to capitalise on the increase in demand as people panic-bought.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context: use "routes" when discussing transportation, navigation, or even abstract pathways like career paths or communication channels.

Common error

Avoid using "route" when referring to multiple paths or options. Always use the plural form "routes" to accurately convey that several options are available.

Linguistic Context

The word "routes" primarily functions as a plural noun, referring to multiple paths or ways to get from one place to another. It aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis and is evident in the numerous examples provided, showcasing its common use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Travel

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "routes", as analyzed by Ludwig AI, is a versatile and frequently used plural noun referring to multiple paths or ways to reach a destination. Its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts—including news, travel, and business—make it a valuable term in the English language. While alternatives like "pathways" or "itineraries" exist, "routes" provides a general and widely understood means of discussing available directions or courses. Remember to use "routes" in the plural form when referring to more than one path to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pathways

Refers to a specific way or course taken.

itineraries

Describes a planned journey, including the routes and destinations.

courses

Implies a defined direction or path of movement.

directions

Indicates the way to reach a destination.

roadways

Specifically refers to routes designed for vehicles.

thoroughfares

Major routes for transportation.

circuits

Denotes a closed route that returns to the starting point.

lines of travel

Emphasizes the movement along a route.

transit options

Focuses on the choices available for traveling.

transportation corridors

Highlights routes used for transporting goods or people.

FAQs

How can I use "routes" in a sentence?

Use "routes" to refer to multiple paths or ways to get somewhere. For example, "There are several "routes" to reach the city center depending on traffic conditions".

What's a good alternative to "routes"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "routes" include "pathways", "itineraries", or "courses".

Is it correct to say "route" when referring to multiple paths?

No, it is not correct. When referring to multiple paths, the correct term is "routes". The singular form, "route", is used to describe a single path.

What is the difference between "routes" and "paths"?

"Routes" generally refers to established or planned ways of getting from one place to another, while "paths" can be more general and less defined. All "routes" are paths, but not all paths are necessarily established "routes".