In this article, we report a new modified solid-state metathesis pathway to synthesize nitrides using Li3N as a nitrification reagent to transform single element to nitrides. In this process, not only binary (including mono- and multinitrides) but also ternary nitrides can be approached by varying the molar ratio of Li3N to a single element. A possible two-step reaction mechanism for Li3N and single elements was proposed. This study provides a promising route to meet the increasing demand in energy savings and environmental protection for materials synthesis.