a drift towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"a drift towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used with a noun to describe a gradual change that has been occurring over a period of time. For example: "In recent years, there has been a drift towards healthy eating habits amongst young people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

With the rise of smart TVs, video-on-demand content, and a drift towards IPTV, definitions have to change.

The Guardian

Cameron said innovation was the key to success and rejected a drift towards a low-wage, low-skill economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The prospects of a drift towards any form of triangulation in the relationship between the US, Europe and China, even at the edges, are still very distant.

The Guardian

Those who are close to Clegg believe that one of his persistent anxieties is what he perceives to be a drift towards isolationism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prior to the Greek vote, the Taoiseach had warned that a drift towards populism could damage Ireland and Europe's economic recovery.

The Guardian

The more pessimistic fear a drift towards becoming the next North Korea a regime that brandishes nuclear weapons at the outside world while its people slide into penury.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The stand was dictated from London by William Hague and David Cameron, officials said, to prevent what they saw as a further drift towards a common EU foreign policy.

The Guardian

Police warnings that anyone attempting to burn a union flag during the royal wedding next week will be arrested are part of a worrying drift towards a legally sanctioned fetishisation of symbols both religious and secular in Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

They also signal a reversal of a recent drift towards celebrating institutions rather than people.

The Economist

It is a triumph for democracy after a long drift towards corrupt authoritarianism.

The Economist

Viewing the voting as a whole, there apparently was a widespread drift towards the Democrats.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a drift towards" to describe gradual, often unintentional changes in direction, opinion, or behavior. For example: "There's a noticeable drift towards more casual attire in the workplace."

Common error

Avoid using "a drift towards" when describing sudden or intentional changes. "Shift" implies a deliberate change, while "drift" suggests a more gradual and often unintentional process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drift towards" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb. It describes a gradual change or movement in a specific direction. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a drift towards" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a gradual change or movement in a particular direction. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While alternatives like "a shift toward" or "a movement toward" exist, they carry slightly different connotations. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, followed by science and academic publications, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles. Be mindful to avoid using "a drift towards" when describing sudden or intentional changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tendency toward

Focuses on an inherent inclination rather than an active drift.

a movement toward

Emphasizes the act of moving, often implying a more deliberate shift.

a shift toward

Highlights a change in direction or focus.

a slide toward

Implies a negative or unwanted gradual change.

an inclination toward

Focuses on a leaning or preference in a specific direction.

a progression toward

Highlights a step-by-step advancement in a particular direction.

a gravitation toward

Suggests being drawn or pulled towards something, often naturally.

an evolution toward

Implies a slow, natural development towards something.

a transition to

Highlights a change that might not be gradual.

a turn toward

Implies a definite change in direction or approach.

FAQs

How can I use "a drift towards" in a sentence?

Use "a drift towards" to describe a gradual change or movement in a specific direction. For example, "There's "a drift towards" remote work in many companies."

What's the difference between "a drift towards" and "a shift towards"?

"A drift towards" implies a slow, often unintentional change, while "a shift towards" suggests a more deliberate and noticeable change.

What can I say instead of "a drift towards"?

You can use alternatives like "a tendency toward", "a movement toward", or "an inclination toward" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a drift towards" in formal writing?

Yes, "a drift towards" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI and numerous examples from reputable sources confirm its proper usage across various contexts.