worn paths

USAGE SUMMARY

"worn paths" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe routes or methods that have been frequently traveled or used over time. Example: "The hikers followed the worn paths through the forest." Alternative expressions include "well-trodden paths" and "frequented routes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Countless convict shoes and guard boots have worn paths into the concrete cell house floor.

Vice

There are needles and empty liquor bottles clustered along the worn paths snaking across vacant lots.

The Guardian

With Ecstasy, I had simply stepped outside the worn paths in my brain and, in the process, gained some perspective on my life.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is the "blankness" of Antarctica that appeals to Francis's imagination, "the absence of worn paths or cultural memories", "a whitewashed primordial backdrop against which ideas, memories, ambitions, regrets, could be examined without distraction".

The Guardian - Books

Wet weather turned rivers into torrents, approaches to streams into bogs, and worn paths into morasses.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Macro is the well worn path with bags.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Were you following a well worn path or did you venture off the beaten track?

The Guardian - Travel

Great routines well rehearsed and mean that you can appear to be taking a huge risk when you are actually treading a well worn path.

The Guardian

Off in the bushes beyond the Stone Circle a lightly worn path led to an unlit tunnel – information that's OK to disclose since the exact location changes from year to year.

The Guardian - Music

Tackling a preservation project of this scale is a well worn path for the data hoarding community.

Vice

The village — sand-colored stone palazzi and worn cobblestone paths, all drenched in mist and rain — sat like a slumbering animal on top of the hill.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worn paths", consider the connotation of age and frequent use. This phrase is suitable for describing physical paths, but can also be used metaphorically to describe well-established routines or methods.

Common error

While "worn paths" can add a touch of imagery to your writing, avoid overusing it in formal documents where a more direct term like "established methods" or "common practices" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worn paths" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "worn" acts as an adjective describing the state of the "paths". It's commonly used to depict routes, methods, or strategies that have been used frequently over time, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worn paths" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe routes or methods that have been frequently used, often implying familiarity or a lack of originality. Ludwig analysis indicates that its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, with a neutral register. While it's suitable for many situations, it's best to consider the context and avoid overuse, especially in formal documents where more precise language may be required. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-trodden routes

Emphasizes the heavy usage and resulting wear of a route.

beaten tracks

Highlights routes that are frequently traveled and therefore easily recognizable.

well-used trails

Specifically refers to paths used for hiking or walking.

established routes

Focuses on the long-standing nature and recognition of the paths.

familiar paths

Highlights how these paths are well-known.

customary routes

Stresses paths that are usually taken.

frequented routes

Focuses on how often a route is used.

customary methods

Shifts the focus to well-used processes.

traditional methods

Emphasizes the conventional aspect of well-used ways of doing something.

established procedures

Highlights the formal and recognized aspect of methods.

FAQs

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

You can use "worn paths" to describe physical routes or metaphorical approaches. For example, "The hikers followed the "worn paths" through the forest", or "The company decided to deviate from the "worn paths" and try a new marketing strategy".

What are some alternatives to "worn paths"?

Alternatives to "worn paths" include "well-trodden routes", "beaten tracks", or "established routes". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "worn paths"?

The phrase "worn paths" is appropriate when you want to convey the idea of routes or methods that have been used extensively over time, often implying a degree of familiarity or conventionality.

Is "well-worn paths" different from "worn paths"?

"Well-worn paths" is a more emphatic version of ""worn paths"", emphasizing the degree to which the paths have been used. Both phrases are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable.