take a different route

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a different route" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a different way of accomplishing a certain task or goal. For example, "If you can't find what you need at the store, you could try taking a different route and buying it online."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I chose to take a different route".

The New York Times - Arts

Take a different route to work or the store.

Harvard University

If they are behind me, I take a different route.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Take a different route to work; watch Countdown or Brainteaser.

The Guardian

Honda chose to take a different route, emphasizing efficiency over capacity.

The New York Times

American actors often take a different route – TV commercials, modelling, sitcoms.

The Guardian - Film

When I was a teenager, I learned to take a different route.

The New York Times

If you drive, take a different route home or listen to a new podcast.

The New York Times

The president could take a different route, which he was considering Thursday.

The Washington Post

Take a different route to the coffee shop to see what you can see and hear.

The New York Times

Others say they now take a different route to walk their dogs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When suggesting a new approach to problem-solving, use "take a different route" to encourage creative thinking and adaptability. It's particularly effective when the initial approach isn't yielding desired results.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "take a different route" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "adopt an alternative methodology" or "pursue a divergent strategy" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a different route" functions primarily as a directive or suggestion, often used to advise or encourage a change in strategy or method. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and broad usability. It serves as a versatile expression for proposing alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a different route" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that suggests an alternative approach or strategy. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, although it's best to consider the formality of the situation when choosing between this and more sophisticated alternatives. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to redirect efforts toward innovative solutions, offering guidance when initial methods falter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pick a different route

Uses "pick" instead of "take", implying a choice or selection.

take a distinct route

Replaces "different" with "distinct", emphasizing the uniqueness of the path.

take a different path

Replaces "route" with "path", a common synonym indicating a way forward.

take a different direction

Substitutes "route" with "direction", focusing on the overall course.

adopt an alternative approach

Uses "adopt an approach" instead of "take a route", focusing on strategy.

find another way

Presents a simpler alternative for discovering a solution or method.

try a new tactic

Suggests employing a fresh method or strategy to achieve a goal.

choose a different strategy

Highlights making an alternative selection from various available tactics.

alter the course of action

Focuses on changing the planned sequence of steps or decisions.

deviate from the plan

Implies straying from the original intention or strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "take a different route" in a sentence?

You can use "take a different route" to suggest an alternative method or approach. For example, "If the first solution doesn't work, try to "take a different route"."

What are some alternatives to "take a different route"?

Alternatives include "adopt an alternative approach", "try a new tactic", or "deviate from the plan", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "take a different route" in professional writing?

While generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, it may be better to use more sophisticated alternatives such as "pursue a divergent strategy" or "adopt an alternative methodology".

What does it mean to "take a different route"?

To "take a different route" means to choose a different way of doing something, especially when the original way is not successful or desirable. It implies changing your approach or strategy.