start down the path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start down the path" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means to embark on a course of action or to begin a journey. For example, "We chose to start down the path of adoption instead of having a biological child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

He said: "To start down the path of division almost inevitably leads to further division".

The Guardian

The second is that the demographic transition is irreversible such that once countries start down the path to lower fertility they cannot reverse to higher fertility.

Plosone

"Today, you start down the path of becoming the generation on which the next generation stands.

Harvard University

We need to start down the path of stabilizing debt relative to G.D.P.

The New York Times

Most couples never consider the fate of excess embryos when they start down the path of fertility medicine.

The Guardian

Once you start down the path of divestment you will have no end of controversy about what is a legitimate investment and what is an immoral one.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Among the restaurants that have started down the path to certification is Le Pain Quotidien, a chain of 10 bakery-cafes in New York and Los Angeles.

The New York Times - Food

This is why IIoT is often referred to as the "4th Industrial Revolution". However, before any facility, plant, or organization starts down the path of implementing IIoT, there are a number of factors to examine and consider.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What's needed is a true accounting of energy costs before we can even start down the right path.

Forbes

A wise lifestyle can help extend life and slow the aging process — but it takes effort and discipline, especially for gents who have started down the wrong path.

Harvard University

A net of only 2 ATP molecules are generated for each glucose molecule that starts down the glycolytic path.

Biophysics Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start down the path" to clearly indicate the beginning of a planned or significant undertaking. This phrase provides a sense of direction and commitment to a process or journey.

Common error

Avoid using "start down the path" when describing tentative or exploratory actions. This phrase implies a degree of commitment that might not be present in initial, less defined endeavors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start down the path" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase indicating the initiation of a process or journey. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes embarking on a course of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start down the path" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic verb phrase that signifies the commencement of a journey, process, or course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to indicate the beginning of a defined undertaking. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, followed by academic contexts, but can appear in a range of writing styles. Understanding its implications and appropriate usage is crucial for effective communication. When using this phrase, make sure that there is a commitment to continue along a particular course of action or process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embark on a journey

Focuses on the journey aspect of starting, emphasizing travel or progression.

begin a course of action

Highlights the action-oriented nature of starting, suggesting a plan or strategy.

commence a process

Emphasizes the procedural aspect, indicating the beginning of a structured series of steps.

set out on a venture

Implies a new and potentially risky undertaking.

take the first step

Focuses on the initial action required to begin something.

initiate a procedure

Suggests a more formal or regulated beginning.

kick off an endeavor

Uses informal language to describe the start of an activity.

get the ball rolling

An idiomatic expression for initiating action.

launch into a project

Indicates an energetic and involved start.

set in motion a plan

Emphasizes the deliberate activation of a pre-arranged strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "start down the path" in a sentence?

You can use "start down the path" to indicate the beginning of a significant undertaking or journey, for example, "We decided to start down the path of learning a new language."

What are some alternatives to "start down the path"?

Alternatives include "embark on a journey", "begin a course of action", or "commence a process", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "start down the path" or "begin the path"?

"Start down the path" is more idiomatic and suggests a journey or process. "Begin the path" is grammatically correct but less common and may sound slightly awkward.

What does "start down the path" imply about future actions?

Using "start down the path" suggests a commitment to continue along a particular course of action or process, implying that further steps will be taken.