Meaning & use
circular paths
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Meaning
nounplural
Routes for walking or cycling that form a loop, ending where they began.
Grammar: Used as a plural noun; the singular 'circular path' refers to one such route.
Patterns
- walk along circular paths
- follow a circular path
The park has several circular paths that are perfect for a short afternoon walk.
We followed the circular path around the lake and ended up back at the car park.
Cyclists enjoy the circular paths because they don't have to turn around.
Common combinations
- walk along circular paths
- We walked along the circular paths in the botanical garden.
- follow a circular path
- Follow the circular path to see all the sculptures.
- well-marked circular paths
- The reserve has well-marked circular paths for visitors.
- a network of circular paths
- A network of circular paths connects the different areas of the park.
Synonyms and how they differ
- loop trail
- More common in American English for a circular walking route in nature.
- circuit
- A more general word for a circular route, often used in sports or racing.
Word family
- circular adjective
- Shaped like a circle; also used for a route that goes around.
- circular walk noun
- A single walking route that returns to its starting point.
Commonly confused: circular paths or circuitous?
circular paths vs circuitous
Means 'long and indirect', not simply circular; a circuitous route may not form a loop.
Practice
The park is popular for its ____, which allow visitors to walk without retracing their steps.
Choose one answer.
The plural 'circular paths' agrees with 'allow' and refers to multiple routes. 'Circular path' is singular and would need 'allows'. 'Circle paths' is not a standard phrase, and 'circling paths' suggests paths that are moving in circles.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “circular paths”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.