various paths

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "various paths" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to different options, routes, or methods available in a particular context. Example: "In life, there are various paths one can take to achieve their goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How did you choose their various paths?

The New Yorker

Ed Bryan's interactive version lets children create their own story by choosing various paths.

The Guardian

Way leads on to way, so who knows where these various paths will lead.

The New Yorker

The temperature of the YbPt2Sn ingot pillar (photograph), Tpillar, is shown for various paths.

Nature

The bundles are then sent on various paths around a network and reassembled at their destination.

The New York Times - Tech

All of this information about a device's location makes its way back to the owner through various paths.

The New York Times - Tech

Our pursuit of bag snagging led down various paths — for example, into the obscurities of patent law.

The New Yorker

Such fibres are called multimode fibres, in reference to the various paths (or modes) that the light can follow.

Britannica

The sound energy emitted from the source follows various paths into the crew compartment.

Safety Design for Space Systems

The various paths in the circuit are categorized into process sensitive and process-insensitive paths.

Microelectronics Reliability

Having identified the dominant source, the next step is to quantify the various paths or contributions.

Railway Noise and Vibration Mechanisms, Modelling and Means of Control

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex process, use "various paths" to indicate that there are multiple ways to achieve the same outcome. This helps to manage expectations and provides a more comprehensive view.

Common error

Avoid using "various paths" when simpler alternatives like "different options" or "several ways" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "various paths" functions as an adjective-noun phrase, where "various" modifies the noun "paths". It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "various paths" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote multiple routes, options, or methods. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It maintains a neutral register, lending itself to diverse contexts, from news and scientific writing to business communications. While "various paths" is generally appropriate, it's important to consider simpler alternatives like "different options" or "several ways" in less complex situations to avoid unnecessary verbosity. Common sources that use this expression are The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

various options

Highlights the availability of multiple choices.

different routes

Emphasizes the physical or metaphorical ways to get to a destination.

multiple avenues

Highlights the diverse opportunities or methods available.

diverse options

Focuses on the range of choices in a given situation.

several approaches

Suggests a number of different methods for tackling a problem.

numerous ways

Highlights the multitude of possibilities or actions.

assorted methods

Implies a collection of different techniques or procedures.

alternative routes

Specifically refers to other ways to reach the same destination.

different roads

Implies distinct and separate routes or courses of action.

different courses

Emphasizes the different directions or tracks one can take.

FAQs

How can I use "various paths" in a sentence?

You can use "various paths" to describe multiple routes, options, or methods. For example: "The company explored "various paths" to increase revenue."

What are some alternatives to "various paths"?

You can use alternatives like "different routes", "multiple avenues", or "diverse options" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "various paths" or "different paths"?

Both "various paths" and "different paths" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "various paths" be used in both literal and figurative contexts?

Yes, "various paths" can be used to describe both physical routes and figurative courses of action. For example: "The hiking trail offered "various paths" to the summit," or "The project team considered "various paths" to success."