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 • 1516 views

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.

"in a path"

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

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

"on a path"

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

Examples:

They were walking on a path through the forest.
She rode her bike on a path along the river.
The hikers followed the trail on a path up the mountain.
He jogged on a path in the park.
The children played on a path in the playground.

Show examples from the web [+]

Both obsessions can lead you on a path to destruction.
But he started the country on a path of a positive cycle.
You are leading him on a path to self-destruction.
Maybe we set them on a path to reconciliation.
The dogs are on a path to total world domination.
I can hear feet on a path ahead.
I think he's headed on a path to Satan.
Rather, it sent Ludwig on a path of action... that would lead to his destruction.
Investigating officers found a couple of drops of blood on a path away from the ravine.
He started America on a path to the metric system but then just gave up.
Once you enter this door, you are on a path that cannot be reversed...
I mean, to think that one day one of you Might actually help me guide mankind on a path to destruction.
We are on a path where our lives will be ruled by boards and bureaucrats, by commissions and so on.
The decision was taken in order to support the aim of the Greek authorities to keep the Greek economy on a path of sustainable growth with price stability.
From now on, anyone searching for the mill house will find themselves on a path leading away from the mill house.
I have led the Tibetan freedom struggle on a path of non-violence and have consistently sought a mutually agreeable solution of the Tibetan issue through negotiations in a spirit of reconciliation and compromise with China.
Calls on all foreign donors to protest against the September detentions and urges the Vietnamese authorities to continue on a path of reform;
Calls on all foreign donors to protest against the detentions in September 2001 and urges the Vietnamese authorities to continue on a path of reform;
Sometimes ye find yerself on a path you never expected.
Looks like serena's ablaze on a path to punishment.

Alternatives:

along a path
following a path
pursuing a path
walking a path
taking a path

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in a path vs on a path

"in a path"

"on a path"

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