set on the right path

USAGE SUMMARY

"set on the right path" is an accepted and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used when talking about someone making a change or improvement to their life. For example: "The counsellor's advice helped me to get my life set on the right path again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Only nurseries with qualified staff will be given this freedom to hire better-paid, better-qualified professionals to help ensure young children are prepared for school and set on the right path for decades ahead.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We are set on the right course.

BBC

Congress, though, is in a position to set us on the right path and start training thousands of new doctors.

The New York Times

I'm just trying to set you on the right path here, young one.

TechCrunch

Prison does not set people on the right path.

The Guardian - Opinion

Isaac wanted to set him on the right path.

The Guardian

To hear him tell it, the detour set him on the right path.

The New York Times

It remains to be seen whether Ms. Whitman will reach into her deal-making arsenal will finally set H.P. on the right path.

The New York Times

Having extinguished internal strife, Holloway believes the subsequent signings of two veterans released by this weekend's opponents helped to set Blackpool on the right path.

The Guardian - Sport

The best way to boost the life-chances of poor people is to intervene much earlier in life to set them on the right path in kindergarten and primary school and reinforce those lessons in secondary school.Progressive taxation can help.

The Economist

"As I've made very clear, we have vowed to do everything we can to get to the bottom of prior wrongdoings in order to set us on the right path for the future," said Mr Murdoch, who yesterday launched The Sun on Sunday in the wake of the News of the World's closure last July, in the statement.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set on the right path", consider the specific context. If the focus is on guidance after a mistake, alternatives like "steer in the right direction" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "set on the right path" when the context is about maintaining a course rather than correcting one. The phrase implies a change in direction, not simply staying on course.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set on the right path" functions as a verb phrase, often used with an indirect object to indicate who or what is being guided. It describes the action of directing someone or something towards a more desirable or correct course.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set on the right path" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of directing someone or something towards a positive or correct course. According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid and frequently used in contemporary English. It appears in diverse contexts, from news and media to wikis and formal business communications, highlighting its broad applicability. While alternatives like "guide toward success" or "steer in the right direction" offer nuanced variations, understanding the implication of direction is crucial to avoid misusing the phrase. Given its frequent usage and clear communicative purpose, "set on the right path" remains a valuable tool for expressing guidance and encouragement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steer in the right direction

This phrase implies a course correction, suggesting that someone was off track and is now being guided properly.

guide toward success

This alternative focuses on the act of guiding, suggesting a more active role in leading someone toward a positive outcome.

lead to a better outcome

This implies a cause-and-effect relationship, indicating that following guidance will result in improvement.

help to find the right way

This focuses on assistance and discovery, implying that the individual needs to locate the correct course of action.

point towards a positive future

This emphasizes the direction being indicated, highlighting the optimistic outcome that the guidance provides.

put on the road to recovery

This suggests a return from a negative state, emphasizing healing or improvement after a setback.

assist in making positive changes

This phrase focuses on practical support, suggesting tangible actions to enable someone to make improvements.

motivate to take a correct course

This focuses on providing incentive, highlighting the encouragement that leads someone to adopt a good plan or route.

inspire to do the right thing

This suggests instilling the desire to act morally, emphasizing ethics and proper behavior.

influence positively

This phrase focuses on the act of influencing, suggesting the use of power or social status to persuade someone toward a positive action.

FAQs

How can I use "set on the right path" in a sentence?

You can use "set on the right path" to describe the act of guiding someone or something toward a more favorable or correct course of action. For example, "Mentorship can set young entrepreneurs on the right path."

What does it mean to be "set on the right path"?

To be "set on the right path" means to be guided or directed towards a positive or successful course of action, often after a period of uncertainty or misdirection. It implies a beneficial change in direction.

What can I say instead of "set on the right path"?

You can use alternatives like "guide toward success", "steer in the right direction", or "lead to a better outcome" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "set on the right path" or "set on the right track"?

Both "set on the right path" and "set on the right track" are acceptable idioms with similar meanings, both implying guidance towards a positive direction. The choice between them depends on personal preference and the specific context, however, "set on the right track" is way more common.