straying from the path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "straying from the path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe someone deviating from a set course of action, moral guideline, or plan. Example: "He was warned about the consequences of straying from the path of honesty in his business dealings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

One day, she ran into her old ballet instructor, who promptly took her to task for straying from the path.

The Guardian - Film

And park visitors were straying from the path into the groves, compacting earth that was meant to be loose and harming the redwoods further.

The New York Times - Science

The trip around the park takes an hour, although youmight want to linger, straying from the path to check out the lush rose and iris gardens.

The New York Times

"If you are straying from the path, going to the left," failing to follow the exact design, he said, "the motors will shift the tool to the right to keep it on the path".

The New York Times - Tech

Medvedev, M. G., Bushmarinov, I. S., Sun, J., Perdew, J. P. & Lyssenko, K. A. Response to Comment on "Density functional theory is straying from the path toward the exact functional".

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 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

I had strayed from the path.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - TV & Radio

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation you want to convey. "Straying from the path" can imply a gentle wandering or a deliberate rebellion. Choose the phrase if you want to keep the negative connotation of the actions.

Common error

Avoid using "straying from the path" when describing simple mistakes or minor deviations that don't represent a significant departure from an intended course. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "straying from the path" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as part of a predicate. It describes the action of deviating or wandering away from a specified route, plan, or set of principles. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form, see examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "straying from the path" correctly describes the action of deviating from an expected course, whether literal or figurative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely usable. It carries a neutral tone, commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, with a higher frequency in News & Media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the 'path' is clearly defined to provide adequate context. Alternative phrases, such as "deviating from the course" or "veering off track", can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviating from the course

This alternative replaces the metaphor of a 'path' with a more general term 'course', indicating a departure from a set direction.

veering off track

This phrase uses a more active verb 'veering' to emphasize a sudden or unintentional deviation.

wandering astray

This alternative suggests a more aimless or undirected deviation, implying a lack of purpose.

going off course

Similar to deviating from the course, but uses a simpler verb 'going' for easier understanding.

departing from the norm

This phrase shifts the focus to deviation from expected behavior or standards rather than a literal path.

digressing from the subject

This is specific to spoken or written discourse, indicating a move away from the main topic.

getting sidetracked

This phrase describes a deviation caused by distractions or interruptions.

losing focus

Focus is on the intention that is lost while the actions/subject is not followed through.

not sticking to the plan

Emphasis is on the actions deviating from a specific and pre-agreed plan.

getting off the subject

Simpler version of digressing, easier to understand in everyday conversation.

FAQs

What does "straying from the path" mean?

The phrase "straying from the path" typically means deviating from an expected or prescribed course of action, belief, or behavior. It often implies a negative consequence or a moral failing.

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

You can use "straying from the path" to describe someone who is not following the rules, like: "The company warned its employees about the dangers of "deviating from the rules"."

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

Some alternatives to "straying from the path" include "deviating from the course", "veering off track", or "wandering astray" depending on the specific context.

Is "straying from the path" always negative?

While "straying from the path" often carries a negative connotation, it can also describe exploring unconventional approaches or forging a unique identity, depending on the context and intent.