shape the path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shape the path" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to influence or direct the direction or outcome of something. Example: "It is important for leaders to shape the path and guide their team towards success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Since flagstones are irregular in shape, the path does not have to be perfectly straight or even a consistent width.

The New York Times

The routes the BRIC nations take will, for better or for worse, shape the path of sustainable development for the rest of the world.

The Guardian

One shouldn't be agnostic about long-run growth policy: public investments, tax rates and structures, and regulations can all shape the path of growth in economic potential.

The Economist

"The decisions he has made, and those he has yet to make, will shape the path of our prosperity, the direction of our politics and our relationship to the world," the magazine declared admiringly.

The Guardian - Business

Once, it was up to central bankers at the Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, the European Central Bank and other such institutions, to shape the path of economic growth.

The Guardian

I don't agree with all her philosophies about moribund European realist drama needing reinvigoration from the truly theatrical east, but this doesn't detract from the fact that her socialist, anti-conventional theatre collective basically invented immersive theatre, and Mnouchkine continues to shape the path of the western dramatic tradition.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

This April, another form of help -- volunteer labor -- stepped in to shape the paths.

The New York Times

Arthurian literature from all ages shaped the path of my career - my first five novels are about Arthur's children and grandchildren.

The Guardian

The Human Mind by Robert Winston (Bantam Press) Winston tells us how our senses, emotions, personality, feelings and intelligence are the result of a ballet of genes and environment that shapes the path of our lives.

The Guardian

He explained that employees, investors, and friends have shaped the path of the company.

TechCrunch

In some instances, distinct evolutionary responses are observed in taxa experiencing common selective environments [ 1], implying that the unique histories of organisms can play a large role in shaping the path of evolution [ 2].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shape the path" when you want to emphasize the act of influencing or directing the course of events or someone's career, rather than simply reacting to them.

Common error

Avoid using "shape the path" excessively in highly formal documents like academic papers or legal contracts. Opt for more precise and specific language, such as "determine the outcome" or "influence the direction", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shape the path" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of influencing or determining a course of action. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct and common in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shape the path" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that signifies influencing or directing a course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science, and less so in more formal settings. Alternative phrases include "influence the trajectory" and "guide the direction". When using this phrase, it's best to emphasize the proactive role in influencing outcomes and to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influence the trajectory

Focuses on affecting the direction or route something takes.

mold the future

Emphasizes a more proactive and creative role in determining what is to come.

guide the direction

Suggests providing guidance or leadership to influence a particular outcome.

steer the course

Implies taking control and directing a specific course of action.

determine the outcome

Highlights the power to decide or establish a final result.

direct the progress

Suggests managing and controlling the advancement or development of something.

form the route

Focuses on creating or designing a specific route or pathway.

design the journey

Emphasizes the planning and structuring of a specific experience or endeavor.

affect the development

Highlights the ability to have an impact on the growth or progression of something.

impact the evolution

Focuses on influencing the gradual change or development of something over time.

FAQs

How can I use "shape the path" in a sentence?

You can use "shape the path" to describe influencing a course of action, like: "Mentors help shape the path of young professionals."

What's a good alternative to "shape the path"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "influence the trajectory", "guide the direction", or "mold the future".

Is it correct to say "shaping the path" instead of "shape the path"?

Yes, "shaping the path" is grammatically correct as a gerund or present participle, often used in continuous tenses or as a noun. For example, "Shaping the path of the company is my main goal."

What's the difference between "shape the path" and "follow the path"?

"Shape the path" implies actively influencing a course of action, while "follow the path" suggests passively adhering to a pre-determined course.