1. Collocates
The phrase "go the way of the" frequently collocates with historical or obsolete entities and concepts. Notable examples include "dodo," "dinosaurs," "Whigs," "buggy whip," "Coca-Cola bottle," and "8-track tape." These collocates typically appear immediately following the phrase, underscoring a sense of obsolescence or extinction.

2. Semantic Prosody
The semantic prosody of the phrase is predominantly negative, conveying a sense of decline, obsolescence, or extinction. The phrase is used to suggest that something is becoming outdated or irrelevant, often with a sense of inevitability or regret.

3. Register & Formality
The phrase appears across various registers, from informal online discussions and opinion pieces to more formal historical or analytical contexts. It maintains a conversational tone, making it suitable for informal discussions, yet it can also appear in more serious, reflective writing.

4. Phraseological Patterns
The phrase functions as a fixed expression, often likened to idiomatic usage. It is used metaphorically to draw parallels between contemporary issues and historical phenomena that have become extinct or obsolete. This pattern is consistent across different contexts.

5. Grammatical Patterns
Grammatically, the phrase "go the way of the" functions as a verb phrase. It frequently appears in the future tense ("will go the way of the") or past tense ("went the way of the"), highlighting a transition from relevance to obsolescence.

6. Recurring Sentence Structures
The phrase is typically used as the main predicate in a sentence, often preceded by a subject that is expected to become obsolete (e.g., "print goes the way of the dodo"). This structure emphasizes the impending or completed nature of the decline.

7. Pragmatic Function / Discourse Role
Pragmatically, the phrase is used to express a stance of inevitability or resignation about the decline of certain practices, technologies, or entities. It often serves to emphasize the need for adaptation or innovation to avoid obsolescence.

8. Frequency & Dispersion
The phrase is relatively frequent in discussions involving technology, industry, politics, and social trends. It is dispersed across various genres, indicating its utility in both casual and analytical contexts.

9. Thematic Context (Topics)
The phrase is commonly used in discussions about technology (e.g., "DVD player," "landlines"), politics (e.g., "Whigs," "Republican Party"), social practices (e.g., "family dinners"), and consumer goods (e.g., "buggy whip," "Coca-Cola bottle"). These contexts highlight the theme of change and adaptation in the face of progress or shifts in societal norms.