a move towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"a move towards" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an action that is intended to reach a particular goal or outcome. For example: "The company is making a move towards establishing a more sustainable business model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is a move towards the showbiz tradition.

The Guardian

Hague said this was a move towards improving bilateral relationships.

The Guardian

"There's a move towards more academic apprenticeships," says McIntosh.

The Guardian

1997 Blur's fifth album marks a move towards US rock.

The Guardian

India strongly opposes a move towards more forceful peacekeeping.

The Guardian

"There is a move towards less sophisticated cuisine," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That sounds like a move towards procedural generation.

The Guardian - Tech

Escalating costs have forced dramatic changes in the healthcare industry, with a move towards managed care.

Decision Support Systems

Recently there have been developments that have created a move towards common solutions.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

A move towards the domain specific assessment of perfectionism is advocated.

Personality and Individual Differences

He argues that there is a move towards a new utopia of networked democracy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a move towards" to indicate a deliberate shift or change in direction, especially when discussing trends or policies. It suggests intentionality and progress.

Common error

Don't overuse "there is a move towards" if a more direct, active voice construction would be clearer. For example, instead of "There is a move towards renewable energy", consider "Companies are moving towards renewable energy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a move towards" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to describe a change or shift in direction. It indicates intentionality or progress, which Ludwig AI confirms is correct English usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a move towards" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a change in direction or a developing trend. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for general use and can be found across diverse contexts, from scientific papers to news reporting. The phrase is particularly common in "News & Media" and "Science", signaling its utility in discussing evolving scenarios. When writing, use this phrase to denote intentional shifts, and consider alternatives like ""a shift in the direction of"" or ""a transition to"" for variety. Ensure you employ active voice where possible for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shift in the direction of

Replaces "move" with "shift" and uses a more explicit directional phrase.

a transition to

Focuses on the change from one state to another, rather than the act of moving.

a progression toward

Emphasizes continuous development or advancement.

an inclination toward

Highlights a tendency or preference.

a drift toward

Suggests a gradual, often unintentional change.

an evolution toward

Implies a natural and gradual development.

a turn toward

Suggests a change in focus or direction.

a step in the direction of

Indicates one action that contributes to the final goal.

an adjustment toward

Suggests a modification or alteration.

a development in the direction of

Highlights gradual growth or change.

FAQs

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

You can use "a move towards" to describe a change in direction or a trend. For example, "The company is making "a move towards" sustainability" or "There is "a move towards" online education".

What are some alternatives to "a move towards"?

Some alternatives include "a shift in the direction of", "a transition to", or "an inclination toward", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a move towards" or should I use another preposition?

"A move towards" is the correct and idiomatic preposition to use. Other prepositions would change the meaning or sound unnatural.

What's the difference between "a move towards" and "a step towards"?

"A move towards" describes a general trend or direction, while "a step towards" refers to a specific action that contributes to a larger goal. The former is broader and the latter is more specific.