advance toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"advance toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate movement in the direction of something. For example: "The crowd started to advance toward the speaker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tells about the Division's advance toward Paris.

The New Yorker

An advance toward that goal is reported in the journal Nature.

The New York Times - Science

Both will help determine if the Americans advance toward the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The New York Times

It isn't 3-D-printed organs, but it is a vital advance toward that goal.

The New Yorker

In 1971 't Hooft published two articles that represented a major advance toward the goal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My dictionary defines progress as an advance toward perfection... Once, you just.

The New Yorker

"I made a sexual advance toward Josh but he rejected me," she said.

The New York Times

It fell this afternoon before General Valino's lightning advance toward the east.

The New York Times

They all seem to come to attention and watch Preminger advance toward the courtroom.

The New Yorker

This new study marks a significant advance toward the development of this strategy".

The Guardian

But scientists in South Korea are reporting a significant advance toward the development of such devices.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "advance toward" to describe concrete, step-by-step progress toward a specific objective. For example, "The company is making key decisions to "advance toward" a carbon-neutral future." This conveys a sense of intentional movement and improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "advance toward" in situations where the progress is not tangible or clearly directed. For example, instead of saying "The discussion will "advance toward" understanding", opt for "The discussion will foster understanding" to better represent the abstract nature of the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "advance toward" functions as a verb phrase, indicating movement or progression in a particular direction. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from military advances to scientific pursuits. It describes an action oriented towards a specific goal or destination.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "advance toward" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe movement or progress in a specific direction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, although it appears more frequently in news, science, and encyclopedia sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the context involves a clear objective and a tangible sense of progression. For alternatives, consider options like "move closer to" or "progress towards" based on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move closer to

Focuses on the reduction of physical or metaphorical distance.

progress towards

Highlights the gradual development and movement in the direction of something.

head in the direction of

Emphasizes the act of orienting oneself and travelling towards a destination.

make headway toward

Implies making progress with some effort invested in reaching something.

work toward

Highlights the effort and actions taken to achieve something.

gravitate towards

Suggests a natural attraction or tendency to move towards something.

shift in the direction of

Focuses on the change and orientation towards a new course or goal.

orient themselves toward

Stresses the intentional alignment and focus on a specific target or objective.

develop in relation to

Emphasizes how something evolves and changes in connection to something else.

aspire to

Highlights ambition and aiming for a desired goal or achievement.

FAQs

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

Use "advance toward" to indicate movement or progress in a specific direction. For instance, "Scientists are working to "advance toward" a cure for cancer", showing they're moving step by step towards a cure.

What are some alternatives to "advance toward"?

You can use alternatives such as "move closer to", "progress towards", or "head in the direction of" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "advance toward" and "progress toward"?

"Advance toward" suggests a more deliberate and tactical movement, while "progress toward" implies a general improvement or development in a certain direction. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the intentional steps taken.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "advance toward"?

It is most appropriate in contexts involving military movements, scientific research, or strategic business plans where a defined goal and step-by-step progression are involved. For example, "The army continued to "advance toward" the enemy stronghold".