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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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Defining a path forward

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining a path forward" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it to describe a situation in which you are developing a plan to move ahead and make progress. For example, "The team has begun the process of defining a path forward to improve the company's efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Environmental Health

Career Development

Politics

Business

Social Issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The final session focused on defining a path forward, including integration of the obesogen/metabolic disruptor hypothesis into mainstream science.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Once you have a better handle on what's dragging you down at work, you'll be better equipped to define a path forward.

News & Media

Forbes

Drawing on a wealth of stories about individuals who have successfully transitioned out of impasses, "Getting Unstuck" provides a practical, authoritative road map for moving past your immediate impasse--and defining a meaningful path forward.

But Mr. Romney did not define a clear path forward.

News & Media

The New York Times

We help our students define a unique path forward, and then connect them in multidimensional, personalized ways to the resources, people, organizations and fulfilling opportunities that will proactively enable them to transforms their visions to realities.

Fortunately, we have a path forward.

News & Media

The New York Times

There is a path forward.

News & Media

The Guardian

That suggests there is a path forward.

These leading companies suggest a path forward.

For giving us a path forward.

"All this was was a path forward.

News & Media

The New Yorker
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Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "defining a path forward" when you want to emphasize a structured and well-thought-out approach to solving a problem or achieving a goal. It conveys a sense of intentionality and planning.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "defining a path forward" in situations where the steps or goals are already well-established or obvious. Overusing it in such contexts can dilute its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining a path forward" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of creating a strategic plan or direction for future action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

20%

⚠ Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defining a path forward" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe the process of creating a strategic plan to achieve specific goals. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While common, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in contexts where the direction is already obvious. Related phrases include "charting a course forward" and "establishing a plan of action", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the specific emphasis. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use this phrase to enhance your writing.

FAQs

How can I use "defining a path forward" in a sentence?

You can use "defining a path forward" to describe the process of creating a strategy or plan to achieve a specific goal. For example, "The team is focused on "defining a path forward" to increase market share."

What are some alternatives to "defining a path forward"?

Alternatives to "defining a path forward" include "charting a course forward", "establishing a plan of action", or "devising a roadmap for progress". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "defining a path forward" in professional writing?

It is appropriate to use "defining a path forward" in professional writing when you want to emphasize the strategic planning and decision-making involved in moving a project or organization forward. It's suitable for reports, proposals, and strategic documents.

What's the difference between "defining a path forward" and "identifying a solution"?

"Defining a path forward" focuses on the process of planning and strategizing how to move towards a goal, while "identifying a solution" focuses on finding an answer to a specific problem. The former is broader and encompasses the overall strategy, while the latter is more targeted.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: