The phrase "were beaten path" is commonly misspelled as "where beaten path". The difference lies in the pronunciation. "Were" is pronounced as /wər/ or /wɜːr/ while "where" is pronounced as /wɛːr/. The correct spelling indicates a path that has been worn down by repeated use, hence it is a "beaten" path. The incorrect spelling, "where beaten path", suggests a location of the path rather than its condition. It is important to pay attention to these subtle differences in spelling to ensure clear communication.