set out on a path

USAGE SUMMARY

"set out on a path" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to begin a journey or pursue a certain direction in life. You can use it to describe a physical journey or a metaphorical journey towards a goal or decision. Example: After years of working in corporate jobs, she decided to set out on a path of self-employment and entrepreneurship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

He knew nothing of my many missteps, of the internal struggles, of the constant tradeoffs, and he knew nothing of how I set out on a path hoping to do one thing and ended up doing something radically different.

Huffington Post

"A year ago we set out on a path to rethink the way people interact with the fundamental features of MySpace," he said.

The Guardian

Together we set out on a path that would move beyond the media's one-dimensional outsider perspective to immerse the reader in a complicated set of circumstances and viewpoints.

Vice

As he hurtles ahead with these multimillion-dollar projects, many of them so unwieldy that their prospects of making it into collections or institutions are uncertain at best, McCarthy has set out on a path more ambitious than almost any American artist now working, one not even he is sure he can follow.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lavelle then set up a new record label, Surrender All, and set out on a path of self-sufficiency.

Independent

Paraguay resisted Buenos Aires' military and set out on a path of relative isolation from the outside world.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Quoting Confucius, he said, "A person who sets out on a path of revenge should first dig two graves".

The New York Times

Another quote, Confucius this time, said: "A person who sets out on a path of revenge should first dig two graves".

The New Yorker

Princeton's newest undergraduates are setting out on a path of inquiry and discovery this fall through the University's freshman seminar program.

Princeton University

But, aided by his companion, Rebecca West, he believes he can set out on a new path of missionary idealism.

The Guardian

Disillusioned with the Nation of Islam, he set out on a new path – taking the pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set out on a path", consider the implications of commitment and direction. This phrase is best used when describing a deliberate and intentional beginning, whether literal or metaphorical.

Common error

Avoid using "set out on a path" when describing fleeting or tentative actions. This phrase suggests a degree of dedication and intention that may be misleading if the action is merely exploratory or experimental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set out on a path" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the initiation of a journey, whether physical or metaphorical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set out on a path" is a common and correct way to describe beginning a journey or course of action. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase means 'to begin a journey or pursue a certain direction in life.' Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. While alternatives like "embark on a journey" exist, "set out on a path" effectively conveys a sense of intention and commitment. Remember to use this phrase when the described action has a clear direction and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embark on a journey

Focuses more on the exploratory aspect of a new experience.

begin a course of action

More formal and emphasizes the intentionality of the start.

start down a road

Uses a road metaphor for direction, implying choices and potential changes.

take the first step

Highlights the initial action in a longer process.

launch into an endeavor

Suggests a more energetic and ambitious beginning.

commence a voyage

Emphasizes a longer, possibly more challenging, undertaking.

initiate a process

More technical and impersonal, suitable for formal contexts.

head off in a direction

Informal, emphasizes physical movement towards a goal.

pioneer a trail

Implies innovation and being the first to explore a new area.

take up a pursuit

Focuses on engaging in an activity with dedication.

FAQs

What does "set out on a path" mean?

It means to begin a journey or course of action, either literally or metaphorically. It implies intention and commitment to a particular direction.

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

You can use it to describe starting a new career, beginning a personal journey, or initiating a project. For example, "After graduating, she "set out on a path" to become a doctor."

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

Alternatives include "embark on a journey", "begin a course of action", or "start down a road", depending on the context.

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

It's generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although phrases like "begin a course of action" might be preferred in more formal writing.