a turn toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a turn toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a shift in focus, direction, or attitude towards something. Example: "The novel represents a turn toward more complex character development and deeper themes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Turn Toward Islam During his years in Washington, Major Hasan turned increasingly toward Islam, relatives and classmates said.

The New York Times

A former investment banker and Hollywood producer, Bannon lived in California when he took a turn toward politics nearly a decade ago.

The Washington Post

His drives take a turn toward Thanatos.

The New York Times

His face had already taken a turn toward manliness.

The New York Times - Magazine

A turn toward stronger growth again has failed to materialize.

The New York Times

Fromagerie's reputation took a turn toward wine in 1985.

The New York Times

Recently, Glover has taken a turn toward the understated.

The New Yorker

Garrel's work soon took a turn toward a more specifically cinema-centric abstraction.

The New Yorker

The age of Obama is already bringing a turn toward equality.

The New Yorker

In the sixties, modern dance, like the other arts, took a turn toward conceptualism.

The New Yorker

Increasingly, shoppers are taking a turn toward that age-old solution, the capsule wardrobe.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a turn toward", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the nature and extent of the shift you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "a turn toward" when describing minor adjustments. This phrase is more effective when indicating a substantial shift in direction or focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a turn toward" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a shift in direction, focus, or attitude. It is frequently used to describe changes in various contexts, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a turn toward" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a shift in direction, focus, or attitude. Ludwig's analysis and examples reveal its prevalence across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for both formal and informal writing, signaling a dynamic transition. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's crucial to ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning, avoiding its use for minor adjustments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shift towards

Emphasizes movement or change in direction, indicating a transition towards something new.

a move towards

Highlights the action of moving or progressing in a specific direction.

an inclination to

Focuses on a tendency or preference for something, suggesting a leaning in that direction.

a drift toward

Suggests a gradual and subtle change in direction, often without conscious effort.

a swing to

Implies a more significant and noticeable change, often suggesting a return to a previous state or position.

a change in favor of

Highlights a change in preference or support towards a particular option or idea.

an orientation to

Focuses on the act of aligning or directing oneself towards something.

a redirection towards

Emphasizes a deliberate shift in focus or course, often after a period of deviation.

a conversion to

Suggests a complete change in beliefs or practices, indicating a strong and definitive shift.

a bent toward

Implies a natural tendency or aptitude for something, suggesting an inherent leaning in that direction.

FAQs

How can I use "a turn toward" in a sentence?

Use "a turn toward" to indicate a shift in direction, focus, or inclination. For example, "The company's strategy represents "a turn toward" sustainable practices."

What are some alternatives to saying "a turn toward"?

You can use phrases like "a shift towards", "a move towards", or "an inclination to" depending on the context.

Is "a turn toward" formal or informal?

"A turn toward" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone.

How does "a turn toward" differ from "a return to"?

"A turn toward" implies a new direction or focus, while "a return to" suggests reverting to a previous state or practice. The former is about innovation, the latter about restoration.