in a path vs on a path

Both 'in a path' and 'on a path' are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'On a path' is the more common and correct phrase when referring to walking or traveling along a designated route. 'In a path' could be used in a more metaphorical sense, such as being deeply involved in a particular course of action or thought.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1304 views

in a path

This phrase is correct but less common in everyday English. It could be used in a metaphorical sense to indicate being deeply involved in a particular course of action or thought.

This phrase could be used metaphorically to describe being deeply engaged in a particular path, course of action, or thought process.

Examples:

She was lost in a path of self-discovery.
He found himself in a path of uncertainty.
They were deeply in a path of spiritual growth.
The company was in a path of transformation.
The team was in a path of innovation.

Show examples from the web [+]

All the evidence is lining up in a path that leads directly to you.
But many have long believed in a path to enlightenment.
Met six Red Coats face to face around a turn in a path.
The last step in a path must contain either nodes or atomic values. It cannot be a mixture between the two.
It's common to omit certain information on difficult cases in order to clear a path in the world for those stuck in the weeds.
It was because of the need to involve the insurance industry in finding a path to this solution in view of the very complicated system and subject matter.
This command is active only if there is a path in your image.
This command is active only if there is a path in your image.
Construction crew's putting in a new path.
We're not in a flight path.
Behind him, the hill closing in... refusing a path to escape.
The adoption of this report in plenary indicates a path which the European Union seems to want to go down.
This is a really poor description... that tries to map out a path in life for us to follow... but with deplorable results.
But if I played a part in leading her down a path to her death...
This message is sent to the infrastructure manager (IM) by the RU in order to request a path.
There is a small group of fanatics who believe in a darker path.
In their contacts with the Vietnamese authorities, I wish the Council and the Commission much wisdom and patience in treading a path that will put an end to the intolerable disenfranchisement of the indigenous people of the central highlands.
It is really important that they are there to counterbalance a lot of the business interests which do not seem to have financial difficulties in finding a path to our door, whereas for a lot of NGOs working internationally is enormously expensive.
Here you can fill in a search path. When adding a plugin without a Location, & quantaplus; will search these paths to find the plugin.
We should therefore be proceeding along this path in a more concentrated fashion.

Alternatives:

on a path
along a path
following a path
pursuing a path
walking a path

on a path

This phrase is the more common and correct way to express the idea of walking or traveling along a designated route.

This phrase is used when referring to physically walking or traveling along a designated route or trail.