strange path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strange path" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an unusual or unexpected course of action or journey, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "After years of working in finance, I found myself on a strange path, pursuing a career in art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The plan has taken a strange path.

The New York Times

EVAN OSNOS: Ai Weiwei's detention has had a strange path across the Chinese Web.

The New Yorker

"What a strange path it took to find my heart," she marvels at the end.

The New York Times

They wander north of their home base, Albany, and Ms. Gaige creates a picaresque yet increasingly strange path for them.

The New York Times - Books

My life turned onto a strange path, but I still love to entertain, I can't say it enough.

The New York Times

And that started two novice parents down the strange path of having to believe something we didn't want to believe.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

It is finding that "going the distance" in Sierra Leone is taking it down some strange paths.

The Economist

After a long and distinguished career, Iklé is ready to ride his personal hobbyhorses in public, and some of them take him down strange paths.

The New York Times

Godus does have its flaws: its touch controls for shaping its virtual world aren't quite right; the little followers that you command can be maddening in their ability to pick the strangest paths to a destination; and it's a bit slow in its early hours.

The Guardian - Tech

The third time, I was beginning to feel like something of an expert treading this strange dark path.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This strange evolutionary path, leading from land back to the sea, must leave a subliminal trace affecting human perceptions of whales (along with dolphins and porpoises).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "strange path" with a prepositional phrase or clause that specifies what makes the path strange. For example, "a strange path to success" or "a strange path filled with unexpected challenges".

Common error

Avoid using "strange path" as a vague descriptor. Instead of simply stating that something is a "strange path", provide specific details or examples to illustrate the unusual or unexpected nature of the course or journey. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange path" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "strange" modifies the noun "path". It often serves to describe an unconventional or unexpected course or journey. As noted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strange path" is a versatile expression used to describe an unusual or unexpected course of action or journey. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently found in news and media contexts. While not inherently formal or informal, it carries a neutral tone and is best used when you want to emphasize the deviation from the ordinary. When using "strange path", make sure to provide context to specify what makes the path strange to enhance clarity and avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "unconventional route" or "peculiar course" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unconventional route

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm in terms of direction or method.

peculiar course

Highlights the odd or unusual nature of the progression or development.

odd trajectory

Focuses on the unusual direction or path taken, often in a more technical or abstract sense.

bizarre journey

Stresses the strangeness and unexpected elements of the experience or travel.

unforeseen detour

Highlights the unexpected change in direction or plan.

abnormal progression

Emphasizes the deviation from the typical or expected sequence of events.

atypical development

Focuses on the unusual or non-standard way in which something unfolds or evolves.

curious route

Highlights the intriguing and unusual nature of the path taken.

singular trajectory

Emphasizes the unique and one-of-a-kind nature of the path or direction.

unexpected turn

Highlights a sudden and unanticipated change in direction or circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "strange path" in a sentence?

You can use "strange path" to describe an unusual or unexpected course of action or journey, either literally or metaphorically. For example, "He took a "strange path" to success, filled with unexpected challenges".

What's a less common synonym for "strange path"?

A less common synonym for "strange path" is "peculiar course", which emphasizes the odd or unusual nature of a progression.

Is "strange path" formal or informal?

"Strange path" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and subject matter. News articles and literary texts often employ this phrase.

What's the difference between "unusual path" and "strange path"?

While both phrases indicate a deviation from the norm, "strange path" often carries a stronger connotation of being unexpected or even unsettling, whereas "unusual path" simply implies that something is not typical.