strayed from the path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strayed from the path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to indicate that someone has deviated from a course of action, belief, or moral standard. Example: "After years of dedication to his principles, he felt he had strayed from the path and needed to realign his values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I had strayed from the path.

The New York Times

He knows his customers inside and out, and has never strayed from the path.

Independent

They worry that he has strayed from the path of fiscal rectitude.

The Economist

But everyone who supports America against Islam is an infidel, someone who has strayed from the path of Islam".

The New York Times

Calling Gome's current board "unrepresentative," the statement said the company's new managers had "strayed from the path of profitable growth, resulting in deteriorating core competency".

The New York Times

La traviata (literally "she who strayed from the path") by contrast, begins with the courtesan Violetta at the height of her social and professional success.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

CHECK OUT: Threads STRAY FROM THE PATH If you miss Rage Against The Machine in both their funk-laden bouncing riffing or their biting, unrestrained lyrical pipebombs, Stray From The Path will turn your world upside down.

Independent

Raylan Givens doesn't stray from the path of righteousness.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The woods leading to Nore Hill are actively managed, so don't stray from the path.

The Guardian - Travel

Keep on the path and you will not see the ruined people so do not stray from the path.

The New York Times

Builders of hiking trails often install menacing rocks, called gargoyles, to discourage hikers from straying from the path.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strayed from the path", ensure the context clearly defines what the "path" represents, whether it's a moral code, a set of principles, or a strategic plan. This will help avoid ambiguity and ensure your message is clearly understood.

Common error

Avoid using "strayed from the path" when a more neutral term like "changed direction" or "altered course" would be more appropriate. This phrase often carries a negative connotation, implying a mistake or moral failing, which may not always be the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strayed from the path" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically describing a subject's deviation from a pre-determined course, principle, or standard. As shown by Ludwig, it implies a departure from an expected or intended direction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strayed from the path" is a common idiomatic phrase used to express deviation from a set course, principle, or standard. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and finds frequent use in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of its negative connotation, implying a misstep or moral failing. Alternatives such as "deviated from the course" or "wandered off track" may be more suitable in certain contexts. Always ensure the meaning of "path" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviated from the course

Implies a departure from a planned or expected route or action.

wandered off track

Suggests a loss of direction, either literally or figuratively.

gone astray

Indicates a moral or behavioral deviation from what is considered right or acceptable.

lost one's way

Highlights a lack of direction or purpose, often implying confusion or uncertainty.

veered off course

Emphasizes a deliberate change of direction, possibly due to external influences.

departed from the norm

Indicates a deviation from established standards or expectations.

transgressed the boundaries

Suggests a violation of rules or limits.

gone off the rails

Implies a severe loss of control, often leading to negative consequences.

taken a wrong turn

Highlights a decision that has led to an undesirable or incorrect path.

fallen from grace

Indicates a loss of status, favor, or moral standing.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone has "strayed from the path"?

To say someone has "strayed from the path" means they have deviated from a previously set course, whether that's a moral code, a plan, or a set of principles. It often implies a negative consequence or a sense of having made a mistake.

How can I use "strayed from the path" in a sentence?

You might say, "After years of prioritizing profits, the company realized it had "strayed from the path" of ethical business practices", or "He felt he had "strayed from the path" his parents had envisioned for him".

What are some alternatives to "strayed from the path"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "deviated from the course", "wandered off track", or "gone astray". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "strayed from the path" formal or informal?

"Strayed from the path" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. It's suitable for use in news articles, essays, and other types of writing where a clear and somewhat evocative expression is desired. More informal alternatives might include "gone off the rails" or "lost their way".