took a different path

USAGE SUMMARY

"took a different path" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about someone who has chosen a different direction than what was originally planned. For example: "When Jane finished college, she decided to take a different path and pursue a career in nutrition instead of medicine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Hellickson took a different path.

The New York Times

Samuel Upham took a different path.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Abrams took a different path.

The New York Times

We took a different path.

The Guardian

Dati, however, took a different path.

The Guardian

Mr. Lindsey took a different path.

The New York Times

Edward Snowden took a different path.

The New Yorker

But a few creditors took a different path.

The Economist

Zafar Sheikh, Shahzad's friend and colleague, took a different path.

The New Yorker

"This storm took a different path, and it surprised people".

The New York Times

Corporal Nixon, 21, took a different path into the Marines.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took a different path", ensure the context clearly establishes what the original or expected path was. This provides a clearer understanding of the deviation.

Common error

Avoid using "took a different path" when simply describing a change in activity without implying a deviation from a norm or expectation. Ensure there's an implicit or explicit standard to which the 'different' path is being compared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a different path" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deviation from an expected, typical, or previously established course. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe an alternative direction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took a different path" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a deviation from an expected or typical course. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It's versatile across various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. While "took a different path" is frequently found in news media, its use is less common in strictly academic or encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the original or expected path is clear to provide context to the deviation. Be mindful of this nuance to avoid using it inappropriately. "Took a different path" has multiple alternative expressions, such as "chose an alternative route" or "opted for a different approach", that may better fit the specific meaning you are trying to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose an alternative route

This suggests a conscious decision to select a different way of achieving a goal.

opted for a different approach

This emphasizes the selection of a different method or strategy.

went down a different road

This uses a metaphor to indicate a divergence in life or career direction.

followed an alternate course

Highlights that the course of action was different.

adopted a divergent strategy

Focuses on the strategy being different from the norm.

veered off in another direction

Emphasizes a change from a previous heading or trend.

pursued a distinct trajectory

Suggests a unique and separate path of development or progress.

deviated from the standard plan

Indicates a departure from an established or expected plan.

charted a new course

Implies creating a new and independent way forward.

forged a separate way

Suggests creating their own and unique approach

FAQs

How can I use "took a different path" in a sentence?

You can use "took a different path" to describe someone or something that deviated from an expected or common course of action. For example, "Instead of going to college, she "took a different path" and started her own business."

What's a synonym for "took a different path"?

Alternatives to "took a different path" include "chose an alternative route", "opted for a different approach", or "went down a different road", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "take a different path"?

Yes, "take a different path" is grammatically correct. "Took a different path" is the past tense version. The correct tense to use will depend on the context of your sentence.

What is the difference between "took a different path" and "took a different turn"?

"Took a different path" usually refers to a significant change in direction or life choices. "Took a different turn" can refer to a more literal change in direction or a more figurative change in circumstances or events.