started down the path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started down the path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the beginning of a journey, process, or undertaking, often implying a commitment to a course of action. Example: "After much consideration, she finally started down the path of pursuing her dream career in art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 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

Sign on and you've maybe started down the path to securing an important endorsement.

The New York Times

It also led to skepticism when Europe started down the path toward a common currency in the early 1990s.

The New York Times

Still, the Fed has started down the path of higher rates to slow the economy and dilute demand.

The New York Times

"We found that 91percentt of the people who started down the path to register dropped out," Mr. Brown said.

The New York Times - Tech

With that, Netflix unwittingly started down the path of proving that today's economy doesn't have nearly enough prizes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

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

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

Even though you can't feel it yet, you have started down the healing path.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started down the path" to clearly indicate the commencement of a process, journey, or commitment, especially when implying a longer-term course of action. This phrase is effective in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "started down the path" repetitively within a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "embarked on a journey" or "initiated a process" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started down the path" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a journey, process, or course of action. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its usage across various contexts, affirming its role in describing initiations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started down the path" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the beginning of a journey, process, or commitment. As supported by numerous examples on Ludwig, it fits well in various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While versatile, consider varying your language to avoid overuse, opting for alternatives like "embarked on a journey" or "initiated a process". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is acceptable and widely understood, making it a reliable choice for conveying the start of something significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embarked on a journey

Emphasizes the beginning of a significant undertaking or trip.

began to pursue

Focuses on actively following a specific goal or interest.

initiated a process

Highlights the commencement of a systematic series of actions.

commenced the undertaking

A more formal way of saying starting a project or task.

set out to achieve

Implies a determined effort towards a specific accomplishment.

took the first step

Highlights the initial action in a series of steps.

started the ball rolling

An idiom suggesting the initiation of a process or activity.

got the show on the road

An informal idiom for beginning a planned activity or project.

entered the field of

Signifies beginning involvement or work in a particular area or profession.

launched into action

Emphasizes a quick and decisive start to an activity or plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "started down the path" to describe the beginning of a process or journey. For example, "The company "started down the path" of digital transformation to enhance efficiency."

What can I say instead of "started down the path"?

You can use alternatives like "embarked on a journey", "began to pursue", or "initiated a process" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "start down the path"?

Yes, "start down the path" is grammatically correct. The past form, ""started down the path"", simply indicates that the action of beginning the journey or process has already occurred.

What does "started down the path" imply?

The phrase ""started down the path"" implies not just a beginning, but also a commitment to continue along a specific route or process. It suggests a forward movement with intent.