set on a path toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"set on a path toward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It suggests the idea of making progress in a particular direction. For example: "The success of his first novel set him on a path toward a career as a best-selling author."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In contrast, India often has a "do-it-for-me" expectation — especially for new services — which means that a user often relies on someone else to do the initial groundwork, then set them on a path toward habitual use.

TechCrunch

Yankovic allows, though, that MAD helped set him on a path toward becoming a highly successful parodist — one who, much like the magazine, feeds off the pop-culture zeitgeist to "shamelessly" mock it.

The Washington Post

A "fair and transparent election," even if one were possible, would not be enough to set Afghanistan on a path toward stability.

The New York Times

Or do we make a relatively tiny investment in their future to set them on a path toward productivity?

University of California, Berkeley

Since then, she has done much to stop those immediate crises, and tried to set H.P. on a path toward growth.

The New York Times - Tech

A first draft should be rough and imperfect, and having a foundation for revision helps set you on a path toward completion.

Stanford University

But it set Le on a path toward pioneering an approach to artificial intelligence that could let software understand the world more the way humans do.

MIT Technology Review

This pivotal decision set MIT on a path toward becoming today’s ultra-selective university that last spring accepted a mere 16percentt of applicants.

MIT Technology Review

Mr. Sarkozy, eager to get on the right side of the Arab Spring, set off on a path toward early recognition of the Libyan rebels and military support for them without consulting his new foreign minister.

The New York Times

He simply looks on the bright side of adversity, saying that perhaps this situation "set him on a path toward favoring comity over controversy in face-to-face relations".

The New York Times - Books

Although King's years at Morehouse were characterized by middling academic performance, his experiences outside the classroom set him on a path toward the ministry and the struggle for civil rights.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set on a path toward" to emphasize a deliberate action that begins a process or journey toward a specific goal. It's particularly effective when highlighting initial steps or decisions that have long-term consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "set on a path toward" when a more direct verb like 'lead' or 'guide' suffices. The phrase implies a more intentional and significant initiation, so reserve it for contexts where that nuance is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set on a path toward" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of initiating or directing someone or something towards a particular course or goal. It indicates the beginning of a journey or process.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set on a path toward" is a versatile expression used to describe the initiation of a journey or process toward a specific goal. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, the phrase's frequency is currently limited in the provided dataset. It is typically used in professional and news-related writing to convey the idea of intentional direction or the start of a significant process. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the deliberate nature of the action and its intended consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guide towards

Focuses on guidance and direction, omitting the 'setting' aspect.

lead to

Implies a direct consequence or result, without necessarily involving active setting.

steer towards

Suggests a more hands-on approach to direction.

direct towards

Emphasizes giving direction or instruction.

propel towards

Implies a forceful push in a particular direction.

start on the road to

Uses a different metaphor, emphasizing the journey.

launch into

Focuses on the initiation or beginning of a process.

initiate progress towards

More formal and emphasizes the beginning of advancement.

usher in

Suggests a ceremonial or formal introduction to something.

incline towards

Indicates a tendency or predisposition.

FAQs

How can "set on a path toward" be used effectively in writing?

Use "set on a path toward" to emphasize a deliberate beginning that has long-term implications. It works well when describing key decisions or actions that initiate a specific journey or process.

What are some alternatives to "set on a path toward"?

You can use alternatives like "guide towards", "lead to", or "steer towards" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "set on a path toward" formal or informal?

The phrase "set on a path toward" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "set on a path toward" and "lead to"?

"Set on a path toward" implies a more intentional initiation of a journey or process, whereas "lead to" suggests a more direct consequence or result, without necessarily involving active setting.