takes a path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes a path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the course or direction that something follows, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "The project takes a path that emphasizes sustainability and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

As it develops, however, "Boise" takes a path more akin to those of comedies of intercolleague awkwardness, like "The Office" or, more specifically, "The Good Girl," the 2002 movie about misfit workers in a tacky Texas department store.

The New York Times

It's true that Mr. Wilson always takes a path of most resistance, but his multilayered productions are a pleasure of sensations, creating as much an aural landscape as a visual one in which dancers have the uncanny ability to slip in and out of traditions while maintaining their contemporary rigor.

The New York Times - Arts

The request takes a path and a predicate used (at the server) to select the entries of interest.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

In its 2014 Annual Report, Goldman compares the potential of the renewables market to that of the Internet, "Mass market adoption of any new, disruptive industry often takes a path of early enthusiasm followed by market rejection, volatility and ultimately, acceptance.

TechCrunch

In an ideal situation, the traction current J1 returns from the train to the substation along the rails but in practice a certain amount, denoted by J0, of the current leaks into the earth and takes a path determined by the ground conductivity before going back to the system at the substation, which is assumed to be the location of the return of all the current to the system.

Earth, Planets and Space

In the absence of an OHS, the patient journey takes a path starting with an initial visit to their general practitioner (GP).

British Journal of Dermatology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He has to take a path he doesn't like.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Or Williams can take a path all his own.

The New York Times - Sports

"Instead, we took a path of transparent judicial courts.

The New York Times

We took a path that led to a bluff overlooking a tributary of the Jhelum River.

The New Yorker

After the second cottage on the right, take a path on right (with a Public Path sign).

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "takes a path" when you want to emphasize the active choice of a particular course of action or direction. For a nuanced meaning, consider whether "chooses a route" or "follows a course" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "takes a path" repeatedly in your writing without considering more descriptive alternatives. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement. For example, instead of writing "The company takes a path of innovation", you could write "The company is pioneering new strategies" or "The company is forging a new direction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes a path" functions as a verb phrase, where "takes" is the verb and "a path" is the direct object. It signifies the action of choosing or adopting a particular course or direction. As per Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "takes a path" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of choosing and following a specific course of action. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility allows it to fit into various contexts, most frequently appearing in News & Media. While inherently neutral in register, the phrase can be enhanced by considering alternatives like "chooses a route" or "follows a course" for nuanced meaning. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure contextually appropriate phrasing to maintain clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes a direction

Simple variation, directly swapping "path" with "direction".

chooses a route

Emphasizes the selection of a specific way, implying a deliberate decision.

follows a course

Highlights the continuation along a set direction or plan.

adopts a strategy

Focuses on the implementation of a specific approach to achieve a goal.

pursues a direction

Indicates a continued effort toward a specific aim or orientation.

embarks on a journey

Suggests the beginning of a long and potentially complex undertaking.

selects an approach

Highlights the active selection of a specific method or procedure.

charts a course

Implies careful planning and navigation of a specific route or strategy.

sets out on a course

Focuses on the commencement of a defined trajectory or plan.

goes down a road

Uses a more figurative 'road' instead of 'path', maintaining the essence of progression.

FAQs

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

You can use "takes a path" to describe a decision to follow a specific course of action. For example: "The company "takes a path" focused on sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "takes a path"?

Alternatives include "follows a course", "chooses a route", or "adopts a strategy", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "takes a path" or "follows a path"?

Both "takes a path" and "follows a path" are correct. "Takes a path" emphasizes the decision, while "follows a path" emphasizes the action of proceeding along it. "Takes a path" is about the decision, "follows a path" is about the action after the decision.

In what contexts is "takes a path" most suitable?

"Takes a path" is suitable when describing decisions related to strategy, career, personal growth or project management. For instance, "The project "takes a path" to sustainability".