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B1 noun #49 am häufigsten 12 Min. Lesezeit

paths

Top 49

At the A1 level, 'paths' usually refers to simple walking places. You might see it in a park or a garden. It is a place where you walk with your feet. For example: 'The park has many paths.' It is a basic word for a small road for people. You use it to talk about nature and walking outside. It is easy to understand because it is a physical thing you can see and touch. You don't need to worry about the metaphorical meanings yet.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'paths' used in more specific ways. You might learn about 'bicycle paths' or 'walking paths.' You can describe them using simple adjectives like 'long,' 'short,' 'beautiful,' or 'clean.' You also learn that paths are different from big roads for cars. You might use the word when giving simple directions: 'Follow the paths to the lake.' It is still mostly about physical routes, but you are becoming more precise in how you describe them.

At the B1 level, you begin to use 'paths' in a metaphorical way. You might talk about 'career paths' or 'life paths.' You understand that a path can be a plan for the future, not just a place to walk. You also learn common phrases like 'cross paths' (to meet someone). You can use 'paths' to discuss choices and directions in life. For example: 'There are many paths to success.' This level requires you to balance the literal and figurative meanings of the word in your speaking and writing.

At the B2 level, you use 'paths' with more nuance. You might discuss 'the path of least resistance' or 'diverging paths.' You can use the word in more complex sentences and technical contexts, such as 'file paths' in computing. You understand the subtle differences between 'paths,' 'trails,' and 'routes.' You can use 'paths' to write more descriptive essays or to have deeper conversations about personal development and social trends. Your vocabulary is becoming more sophisticated.

At the C1 level, you use 'paths' with precision and stylistic flair. You might use it in academic writing to describe 'methodological paths' or in literature to symbolize complex moral choices. You are familiar with idioms and can use them naturally in conversation. You understand how 'paths' functions in specialized fields like graph theory or neural science. You can appreciate the poetic weight of the word and use it to create specific moods or to convey complex abstract ideas with clarity.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'paths.' You can use it in any context, from the most informal slang to the most formal legal or scientific discourse. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how its meaning has evolved over centuries. You can use 'paths' to make subtle puns or to engage in high-level philosophical debates about determinism and free will. The word is a tool you can use with total flexibility and precision to express the most intricate thoughts.

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paths in 30 Sekunden

Paths are physical tracks for walking or cycling, often found in nature or parks.
The word is frequently used metaphorically to describe career trajectories or life choices.
In technology, paths refer to file locations or data routing in a network.
Common idioms include 'cross paths' and 'the path of least resistance.'

The word paths is the plural form of 'path,' a term that bridges the physical world of nature and the abstract world of human experience. At its most basic level, a path is a track or a route made by the constant treading of feet—whether human or animal. Imagine a winding trail through a dense forest or a narrow walkway in a botanical garden; these are physical paths. They represent a guided way to get from point A to point B without getting lost in the undergrowth. In modern urban environments, we often see 'desire paths,' which are those dirt tracks created across grassy areas because people prefer the shortest route rather than the paved sidewalk provided by architects.

Physical Utility: Paths provide a predictable surface for travel, often narrower than roads and typically intended for pedestrians, cyclists, or animals rather than heavy motorized vehicles.

The hikers followed the winding paths up the mountain to reach the summit before sunset.

Beyond the physical, the word expands into the metaphorical. We speak of 'career paths' to describe the sequence of jobs and experiences that lead to a professional goal. We talk about 'life paths' to describe the moral or spiritual choices a person makes. In these contexts, the word implies a journey that requires time, effort, and direction. It suggests that while there are many ways to live or work, one must choose a specific trajectory. In technology, 'paths' refer to the specific location of a file in a computer's file system or the route data takes through a network. This versatility makes 'paths' a foundational word in English, appearing in literature, science, and daily conversation.

Metaphorical Application: It represents the course of action or the conduct of life chosen by an individual, such as the path of least resistance or the path to enlightenment.

Our paths crossed many years later in a small cafe in Paris, quite by accident.

In literature and poetry, 'paths' often symbolize choice. Robert Frost’s famous poem about two roads diverging in a wood is the quintessential example of how paths represent the irreversible nature of human decisions. Once you choose one path, you often cannot go back and see where the other would have led. This gives the word a slightly philosophical or even melancholic weight in certain contexts. Whether you are discussing the neural paths in the brain or the migratory paths of birds, the word always denotes a structured, repeated, or intended route through a complex space.

The software engineer mapped out the different paths the user could take through the application's interface.

Technical Context: In computing, a path specifies the unique location of a file or directory in a file system, often represented as a string of characters.

The garden was designed with several stone paths that led to hidden benches and flower beds.

Different cultures have different paths toward achieving social harmony and economic stability.

Using 'paths' correctly requires understanding whether you are referring to a physical object or a conceptual one. As a plural noun, it always takes a plural verb (e.g., 'The paths are...'). When describing physical routes, you often use adjectives like 'winding,' 'narrow,' 'steep,' or 'overgrown.' For example, 'The forest paths were difficult to navigate after the storm.' This helps the reader visualize the condition of the route. If you are talking about a garden or a park, you might use 'gravel paths' or 'paved paths' to specify the material.

Physical Description: Focus on the sensory details: 'The sun-dappled paths through the woods offered a cool respite from the summer heat.'

Cyclists are encouraged to stay on the designated paths to avoid damaging the local flora.

In metaphorical usage, 'paths' is frequently paired with verbs like 'choose,' 'follow,' 'diverge,' or 'cross.' 'Our paths diverged' is a common way to say that two people who were once close or heading in the same direction have now taken different life routes. Conversely, 'our paths crossed' means we met unexpectedly. When discussing careers, you might say, 'There are many paths to becoming a successful artist,' implying that there isn't just one single way to achieve that goal. The word 'paths' here suggests variety and individual choice.

Metaphorical Verbs: Common verb pairings include: follow paths, block paths, clear paths, and forge new paths.

Education opens up various paths for young people, allowing them to explore different interests.

In technical writing, 'paths' must be precise. For example, 'Ensure the file paths are correctly mapped in the configuration file.' Here, the word is literal but refers to digital architecture. In physics or mathematics, you might discuss the 'paths of particles' or 'shortest paths in a graph.' In these cases, the word is used to describe the trajectory or the sequence of vertices. Regardless of the domain, 'paths' always implies a connection between a start and an end point.

The storm blocked all the paths leading out of the valley, leaving the villagers stranded.

Prepositional Use: We often use 'on' or 'along' with paths: 'We walked along the coastal paths for hours.'

The CEO's vision for the company involved exploring several new paths for growth in the Asian market.

The ancient paths were once used by merchants to transport silk and spices across the continent.

You will encounter the word 'paths' in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. In the great outdoors, park rangers and hikers use it constantly. You'll see signs saying 'Stay on the paths' or 'Bicycle paths only.' In this context, it is a matter of safety and environmental protection. If you are watching a nature documentary, the narrator might describe the 'migratory paths' of wildebeests or the 'hunting paths' of a leopard. Here, it describes a repeated biological behavior.

Outdoor & Recreation: Commonly heard in national parks, trail maps, and hiking guides to describe walking routes.

The city council is investing in new bike paths to reduce traffic congestion in the downtown area.

In the corporate world, 'paths' is a buzzword often used during performance reviews or career counseling. A manager might ask, 'What are your career paths for the next five years?' This doesn't mean they want to know which sidewalk you'll walk on; they want to know your plan for professional advancement. Similarly, in business strategy meetings, executives discuss 'paths to profitability' or 'market entry paths.' It is a way of conceptualizing a complex series of actions as a single, navigable route.

Professional Development: Used to describe career trajectories, skill acquisition, and strategic business goals.

We need to identify the most efficient paths to increase our conversion rates this quarter.

In the world of technology and gaming, 'paths' has a very specific meaning. Game developers use 'pathfinding' algorithms to determine how non-player characters (NPCs) move through a level. If a character gets stuck behind a wall, it’s a 'pathing' issue. In web development, 'URL paths' tell the browser where to find a specific page on a server. If you hear a programmer say, 'The paths are broken,' they are likely referring to a broken link or a missing file directory. This technical usage is very common in the 21st-century workplace.

The game's AI was praised for its ability to find clever paths to flank the player during combat.

Technology & Gaming: Refers to file locations, network routing, and the movement algorithms used in artificial intelligence.

Check the absolute paths in the script to ensure the database connects properly.

I hope our paths cross again soon; it was wonderful catching up with you.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 'paths' with 'roads' or 'streets.' While all three refer to ways of getting somewhere, they are not interchangeable. A 'road' is typically a wide, paved surface for vehicles. A 'street' is a road in a town or city, usually with buildings on either side. A 'path' is much smaller and usually not for cars. Saying 'I drove my car down the forest paths' sounds strange because paths are generally too narrow or rough for cars. Use 'trails' or 'tracks' if you mean something very rugged, but 'paths' is the best general term for pedestrian routes.

Path vs. Road: Use 'road' for cars and 'path' for people walking or cycling. Confusing them can lead to clarity issues in directions.

Correct: We walked along the garden paths. Incorrect: We drove the truck along the garden paths.

Another mistake involves the metaphorical use of 'paths' versus 'ways.' While they are similar, 'way' is often more general. 'There are many ways to cook an egg' is better than 'There are many paths to cook an egg.' 'Path' implies a journey or a process that takes time, whereas 'way' can just mean a method. Use 'paths' when you want to emphasize the long-term nature of the choice or the sequence of steps involved. Also, be careful with the pluralization. 'A paths' is incorrect; it must be 'a path' or 'the paths.'

Path vs. Way: 'Path' is more evocative of a journey; 'way' is more about the method or technique used.

Many people choose different paths in life, but they all seek happiness.

In technical contexts, learners sometimes forget to use the plural when referring to multiple directories. For instance, 'The paths to the images are incorrect' is correct, while 'The path to the images are incorrect' is grammatically wrong because the subject (path) and verb (are) do not match. Additionally, in the idiom 'cross paths,' it is almost always plural. You wouldn't say 'We crossed path'; it is always 'We crossed paths.' Small errors like these can make your English sound less natural, so pay close attention to the number (singular vs. plural).

The hikers were confused because the paths on the map didn't match the ones on the ground.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Always ensure your verb matches the plural 'paths' (e.g., 'The paths lead to...' not 'The paths leads to...').

It is important to clear the paths of snow so that people can walk safely.

The career counselor helped me visualize several potential paths I could take after graduation.

English is rich with synonyms for 'paths,' each carrying a slightly different nuance. 'Trails' is perhaps the closest synonym, but it often implies something more rugged, natural, and perhaps less well-maintained than a path. You find trails in the wilderness or mountains. 'Tracks' can refer to paths made by vehicles or animals, often consisting of two parallel lines in the dirt. 'Walkways' are more formal, often paved and found in urban settings or large buildings. Understanding these differences helps you choose the most precise word for your context.

Paths vs. Trails: 'Paths' can be paved or unpaved; 'trails' are almost always unpaved and in nature.

While the main paths were easy to follow, the deer trails were much harder to spot.

In a metaphorical sense, 'routes' and 'avenues' are common alternatives. 'Routes' is often used in logistics or travel planning (e.g., 'bus routes'). 'Avenues' is frequently used in the phrase 'avenues for exploration' or 'avenues for growth,' suggesting a broad and formal possibility. 'Course' is another alternative, often used in the phrase 'the course of history' or 'the course of a disease,' implying a natural progression over time. Choosing 'paths' over these alternatives usually emphasizes the individual's journey or the specific steps taken.

Metaphorical Comparisons: 'Paths' = individual journey; 'Routes' = planned logistics; 'Avenues' = formal opportunities.

The government is looking into various paths to reform the healthcare system.

For more technical or formal writing, you might use 'trajectories' or 'channels.' 'Trajectories' is common in physics or when discussing the long-term trend of something (e.g., 'the trajectory of the economy'). 'Channels' is used when talking about communication or the flow of liquids (e.g., 'distribution channels'). However, 'paths' remains the most versatile and widely understood term. It strikes a balance between being descriptive and evocative, making it suitable for almost any level of formality except the most rigid scientific papers.

The park features several interconnected paths that allow visitors to explore the lake from different angles.

Technical Alternatives: 'Trajectory' (physics/trends), 'Circuit' (electronics), 'Directory' (computing).

We must ensure that the paths we take today lead to a sustainable future for the next generation.

The maze was full of dead-end paths designed to confuse the participants.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

"The strategic paths outlined in the report are designed to maximize efficiency."

Neutral

"The park has several paths that lead to the lake."

Informell

"I hope our paths cross again soon!"

Child friendly

"Follow the little paths to find the hidden treasure!"

Umgangssprache

"We're on different paths, man."

Wusstest du?

The word 'path' is one of the oldest in the English language, dating back over a thousand years. Its metaphorical use for 'a way of life' is also ancient, appearing in early religious texts.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /pɑːðz/

US /pæðz/

The stress is on the only syllable: paths.

Reimt sich auf

baths maths (UK) laths aftermaths wraths graphs (some dialects) staffs (some dialects) laughs (some dialects)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'th' as a 't' or 's'.
Using an unvoiced 'th' (as in 'path') instead of the voiced 'th' (as in 'paths').
Forgetting to add the 'z' sound at the end for the plural.
Confusing the UK 'ah' with the US 'a' in international contexts.
Pronouncing it like 'pats'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize in most contexts, though metaphorical uses require more thought.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires understanding of pluralization and common collocations.

Sprechen 3/5

Pronunciation of the 'ths' sound can be tricky for some learners.

Hören 2/5

Generally clear, though can be confused with 'pats' or 'pads' if spoken quickly.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

walk road way forest follow

Als Nächstes lernen

trajectory avenue strategy navigation itinerary

Fortgeschritten

deterministic paths critical path method neural pathways desire lines

Wichtige Grammatik

Pluralization of nouns ending in 'th'

path -> paths (the 'th' becomes voiced).

Subject-verb agreement with plural nouns

The paths *are* (not *is*) beautiful.

Use of 'between' vs 'among' with paths

The shortest path *between* two points.

Prepositions of place with paths

Walking *on* the paths or *along* the paths.

Metaphorical 'to' with paths

The paths *to* success are many.

Beispiele nach Niveau

The park has many green paths.

Le parc a beaucoup de sentiers verts.

Plural noun 'paths' with the adjective 'green'.

We walk on the paths every day.

Nous marchons sur les sentiers tous les jours.

Present simple tense showing a regular habit.

Are the paths long?

Est-ce que les sentiers sont longs ?

Question form using the verb 'to be'.

The paths are near the water.

Les sentiers sont près de l'eau.

Prepositional phrase 'near the water'.

I see two paths in the forest.

Je vois deux sentiers dans la forêt.

Number 'two' followed by the plural 'paths'.

The garden paths are beautiful.

Les sentiers du jardin sont beaux.

Compound noun 'garden paths' used as the subject.

Please stay on the paths.

S'il vous plaît, restez sur les sentiers.

Imperative sentence for a polite request.

These paths are for people, not cars.

Ces sentiers sont pour les gens, pas pour les voitures.

Demonstrative pronoun 'these' for plural 'paths'.

There are several bicycle paths in the city.

Il y a plusieurs pistes cyclables dans la ville.

Use of 'there are' with plural 'paths'.

The mountain paths are very steep.

Les sentiers de montagne sont très escarpés.

Adjective 'steep' modifying 'paths'.

We followed the paths through the woods.

Nous avons suivi les sentiers à travers les bois.

Past simple verb 'followed'.

The paths are covered with leaves in autumn.

Les sentiers sont couverts de feuilles en automne.

Passive voice 'are covered'.

You can find many paths in this national park.

Vous pouvez trouver de nombreux sentiers dans ce parc national.

Modal verb 'can' for possibility.

The paths lead to a small wooden bridge.

Les sentiers mènent à un petit pont en bois.

Verb 'lead' in the plural form.

The stone paths were slippery after the rain.

Les sentiers en pierre étaient glissants après la pluie.

Adjective 'slippery' describing the state of the paths.

Which of these paths should we take?

Lequel de ces sentiers devrions-nous prendre ?

Interrogative sentence with 'which'.

Students often explore different career paths before deciding.

Les étudiants explorent souvent différentes voies professionnelles avant de décider.

Metaphorical use of 'career paths'.

Our paths crossed again after ten years.

Nos chemins se sont croisés à nouveau après dix ans.

Common idiom 'paths crossed'.

There are many paths to achieving your goals.

Il y a de nombreux chemins pour atteindre vos objectifs.

Gerund 'achieving' after the preposition 'to'.

The company is looking for new paths to growth.

L'entreprise cherche de nouvelles voies de croissance.

Abstract use of 'paths' in a business context.

We need to clear the paths of any obstacles.

Nous devons dégager les chemins de tout obstacle.

Phrasal structure 'clear the paths of'.

His life took many unexpected paths.

Sa vie a pris de nombreux chemins inattendus.

Adjective 'unexpected' modifying 'paths'.

The software allows users to create custom paths.

Le logiciel permet aux utilisateurs de créer des chemins personnalisés.

Technical use of 'paths' in software.

They chose different paths after the argument.

Ils ont choisi des chemins différents après la dispute.

Symbolic use of 'paths' for life choices.

The researchers identified several neural paths in the brain.

Les chercheurs ont identifié plusieurs voies neuronales dans le cerveau.

Scientific/Technical use of 'paths'.

The two political parties are on divergent paths.

Les deux partis politiques sont sur des voies divergentes.

Adjective 'divergent' used in a formal context.

She often takes the path of least resistance when making decisions.

Elle prend souvent le chemin de la moindre résistance lorsqu'elle prend des décisions.

Idiomatic expression 'path of least resistance' (singular used in plural context).

The ancient trade paths were vital for the economy.

Les anciennes voies commerciales étaient vitales pour l'économie.

Historical context with 'ancient trade paths'.

The algorithm calculates the shortest paths between nodes.

L'algorithme calcule les chemins les plus courts entre les nœuds.

Mathematical/Computing context.

Our individual paths are shaped by our experiences.

Nos parcours individuels sont façonnés par nos expériences.

Passive voice 'are shaped by'.

The storm caused significant damage to the coastal paths.

La tempête a causé des dommages importants aux sentiers côtiers.

Adjective 'coastal' specifying the location.

We must consider all possible paths before we commit.

Nous devons considérer tous les chemins possibles avant de nous engager.

Modal verb 'must' for necessity.

The narrative explores the intersecting paths of three strangers.

Le récit explore les chemins croisés de trois inconnus.

Literary analysis context.

Economic development often follows non-linear paths.

Le développement économique suit souvent des trajectoires non linéaires.

Academic use of 'non-linear paths'.

The philosopher discussed the various paths to enlightenment.

Le philosophe a discuté des différentes voies vers l'éveil.

Philosophical/Spiritual context.

Technological advancements have opened up unprecedented paths for communication.

Les progrès technologiques ont ouvert des voies de communication sans précédent.

Present perfect tense with 'have opened up'.

The migration paths of these birds are being altered by climate change.

Les routes migratoires de ces oiseaux sont modifiées par le changement climatique.

Passive continuous 'are being altered'.

The architect incorporated desire paths into the final park design.

L'architecte a intégré les chemins de désir dans la conception finale du parc.

Specialized term 'desire paths'.

Her research smoothed the paths for future scientists in the field.

Ses recherches ont facilité la voie aux futurs scientifiques dans le domaine.

Idiomatic use 'smoothed the paths'.

The treaty provides multiple paths for resolving the conflict peacefully.

Le traité prévoit de multiples voies pour résoudre le conflit de manière pacifique.

Formal/Diplomatic context.

The labyrinthine paths of the bureaucracy made progress nearly impossible.

Les méandres labyrinthiques de la bureaucratie rendaient tout progrès presque impossible.

Metaphorical and highly descriptive use.

Quantum particles can seemingly occupy multiple paths simultaneously.

Les particules quantiques peuvent apparemment occuper plusieurs chemins simultanément.

Advanced scientific context.

The poet lamented the paths not taken in his youth.

Le poète a déploré les chemins non empruntés dans sa jeunesse.

Literary/Poetic reference to Robert Frost.

Societal evolution is a tapestry of countless individual paths weaving together.

L'évolution sociétale est une tapisserie d'innombrables parcours individuels qui s'entremêlent.

Highly metaphorical and abstract.

The legal paths available to the defendant were increasingly narrow.

Les voies de recours légales s'offrant au défendeur étaient de plus en plus étroites.

Legal context.

We must navigate the treacherous paths of modern geopolitics with caution.

Nous devons naviguer avec prudence sur les chemins périlleux de la géopolitique moderne.

Formal/Political metaphor.

The algorithm's efficiency is determined by how it prunes unnecessary paths.

L'efficacité de l'algorithme est déterminée par la manière dont il élague les chemins inutiles.

Advanced computing/AI context.

The historical record is often obscured by the paths of the victors.

Le récit historique est souvent obscurci par les trajectoires des vainqueurs.

Philosophical/Historical critique.

Häufige Kollokationen

career paths

winding paths

bicycle paths

file paths

migratory paths

paved paths

divergent paths

beaten paths

neural paths

spiritual paths

Häufige Phrasen

cross paths

off the beaten path

smooth the path

the path of least resistance

clear the paths

forge new paths

on the right paths

diverging paths

follow the paths

blocked paths

Wird oft verwechselt mit

paths vs roads

Roads are for cars; paths are for people or bikes.

paths vs ways

Ways is more general; paths implies a journey or a specific track.

paths vs pats

Pats is the plural of pat (a light touch); paths has the 'th' sound.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Cross paths"

To meet someone unexpectedly.

We crossed paths at the conference last year.

informal

"Off the beaten path"

In a remote or unusual location.

We found a lovely hotel off the beaten path.

neutral

"Path of least resistance"

Choosing the easiest option.

Don't just take the path of least resistance; do what is right.

neutral

"Lead someone down the garden path"

To deceive or trick someone.

He led me down the garden path with his false promises.

informal

"Smooth the path"

To facilitate progress.

The diplomat worked to smooth the path for the peace talks.

formal

"Clear the path"

To remove obstacles.

The breakthrough cleared the path for further innovation.

neutral

"On the warpath"

Very angry and ready for a fight or confrontation.

The boss is on the warpath today because of the missed deadline.

informal

"All paths lead to Rome"

There are many different ways to reach the same goal.

Whether you study math or logic, all paths lead to Rome in this field.

literary

"Beat a path to someone's door"

When many people want to buy something or see someone because they are very popular.

Investors are beating a path to the startup's door.

informal

"The path to hell is paved with good intentions"

Good intentions can still lead to bad outcomes if not executed well.

He meant well, but the path to hell is paved with good intentions.

literary

Leicht verwechselbar

paths vs trails

Both refer to routes in nature.

Trails are usually more rugged and unpaved, while paths can be paved or in gardens.

We hiked the mountain trails but walked the garden paths.

paths vs tracks

Both are routes made by treading.

Tracks often refer to marks left by animals or vehicles, while paths are the routes themselves.

The deer tracks led us to the hidden paths.

paths vs routes

Both mean a way to get somewhere.

Routes are often more formal or planned (like bus routes), while paths are more organic or personal.

The GPS showed several routes, but we took the scenic paths.

paths vs lanes

Both are narrow ways.

Lanes are usually narrow roads for cars or specific divisions on a track (like swimming lanes).

The country lanes were too narrow for the bus, so we used the paths.

paths vs walkways

Both are for walking.

Walkways are usually artificial, paved, or part of a building structure.

The modern building has glass walkways connecting the paths.

Satzmuster

The [noun] has [adjective] paths.

The park has long paths.

We [verb] on the paths.

We walk on the paths.

There are many paths to [gerund].

There are many paths to becoming a doctor.

Our paths [verb] in [place].

Our paths crossed in London.

The [noun] explores the [adjective] paths of [noun].

The book explores the intersecting paths of the characters.

The [adjective] paths of [noun] [verb] [adverb].

The labyrinthine paths of bureaucracy moved slowly.

Stay on the [adjective] paths.

Stay on the marked paths.

The [noun] blocked the paths.

The snow blocked the paths.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

Häufige Fehler

The paths leads to the lake. → The paths lead to the lake.
The subject 'paths' is plural, so the verb must be 'lead' without an 's'.
I drove my car on the forest paths. → I drove my car on the forest roads.
Paths are generally too narrow or unsuitable for cars.
We crossed path yesterday. → We crossed paths yesterday.
The idiom is always 'cross paths' in the plural.
There are many ways to success. → There are many paths to success.
While 'ways' is okay, 'paths' is more common and evocative for life journeys.
A paths is near the house. → A path is near the house.
You cannot use the indefinite article 'a' with the plural 'paths'.

Tipps

Nature vs. City

Use 'paths' for natural settings and 'sidewalks' or 'pavements' for urban walking areas.

Plural Verb

Always remember to use a plural verb like 'are' or 'lead' with 'paths'.

Meeting People

Use 'cross paths' when you want to sound more sophisticated than just saying 'met'.

Career Talk

Use 'career paths' during interviews to show you are thinking about your long-term future.

File Management

When coding, always double-check your 'file paths' to avoid errors.

Be Descriptive

Use adjectives like 'winding,' 'narrow,' or 'hidden' to make your writing about paths more interesting.

Stay on Track

In national parks, the phrase 'Stay on the paths' is very important for safety and nature protection.

Life Choices

Use 'paths' to describe the different options you have in life to sound more poetic.

Voiced TH

Make sure to vibrate your vocal cords when saying the 'th' in 'paths'.

Synonym Choice

Choose 'trails' for mountains and 'paths' for gardens for better precision.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'People Always Tread Here' (P-A-T-H) to remember that paths are made by people walking.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a pair of hiking boots walking on a narrow dirt track through a forest. The boots leave a mark, creating the paths.

Word Web

walking nature career direction trail choice route forest

Herausforderung

Write three sentences: one about a physical path, one about a career path, and one using the idiom 'cross paths'.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Old English word 'pæth', which referred to a track or way. It has cognates in West Germanic languages, such as the Dutch 'pad' and German 'Pfad'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A track or way made by treading.

Germanic

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'the path of righteousness' has strong religious connotations.

In the UK, 'public footpaths' are legally protected routes that allow people to walk across private land.

Robert Frost's poem 'The Road Not Taken' (often associated with paths). The 'Yellow Brick Road' in The Wizard of Oz (a famous path). The 'Silk Road' (a historical network of trade paths).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Hiking and Nature

stay on the paths
winding paths
steep paths
trail markers

Career Planning

career paths
professional growth
promotion paths
skill development

Computing

file paths
directory structure
absolute paths
relative paths

Social Interaction

cross paths
meeting someone
long time no see
unexpected encounter

Philosophy/Life

life paths
path to success
path of least resistance
choosing a direction

Gesprächseinstiege

"Do you prefer walking on paved paths or wild forest trails?"

"Have you ever crossed paths with someone famous?"

"What are the most common career paths for people in your country?"

"Do you think there are many paths to happiness, or just one?"

"How do you feel about taking the path of least resistance in difficult situations?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time when your paths crossed with an old friend unexpectedly.

Write about the different career paths you considered before choosing your current one.

Imagine a garden with many secret paths. What do they lead to?

Reflect on a major decision you made. What other paths could you have taken?

Discuss the importance of staying on the designated paths in a national park.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'path' is the singular form. You use 'paths' when referring to more than one route or track. For example, 'This path is short' vs 'These paths are long.'

It means to meet someone by chance. It is a very common idiom in English. For example, 'I'm glad our paths crossed today!'

Generally, no. 'Paths' are for walking, cycling, or animals. For cars, you should use 'roads,' 'streets,' or 'highways.'

A career path is the sequence of jobs and professional experiences that lead you toward your long-term work goals.

A file path is the string of characters that tells the computer exactly where a file is stored in the system (e.g., C:/Users/Documents/file.txt).

A footpath is a specific type of path meant only for people walking. 'Path' is a more general term that can include bicycle paths or metaphorical paths.

In the UK, it's /pɑːðz/ (long 'ah'). In the US, it's /pæðz/ (short 'a'). The 'th' is voiced like the 'th' in 'then'.

Desire paths are the unofficial tracks made by people walking on grass or dirt because it's the most direct route, even if there is a paved sidewalk nearby.

Yes, it is used to describe the movement of particles, the connections in the brain (neural paths), or the migration of animals.

It is an idiom meaning to choose the easiest way to do something, often to avoid hard work or conflict.