advanced toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"advanced toward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something physically moving closer to a specific location or person. Example: The soldiers advanced toward the enemy's camp, ready for battle.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Without these lawyers, my dad explained, African Americans would never have advanced toward equality.

Vice

A wave of determined firefighters advanced toward the sky.

The New York Times

So he yelled as it advanced toward the finish line.

The New York Times - Sports

When the defendant raised his rifle and advanced toward them, all four teenagers turned to run.

The New Yorker

As the half-hour piece unfolded, Kriikku advanced toward the other players.

The Guardian - Music

And this time, as Russian troops advanced toward the Chechen lowlands, he initially decided to flee.

The New York Times

Clutching iron pipes and stones, groups of students periodically advanced toward the soldiers.

The New York Times

Lewenhaupt was in command of the infantry, which advanced toward the main Russian camp.

Britannica

He said two officers emerged from the dugout and advanced toward the oncoming bullets.

The Washington Post

Landing at Abū Qīr Bay on March 8 , 1801 he advanced toward Alexandria.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He advanced toward United's back line, at his own pace, in his own time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "advanced toward" to convey a sense of deliberate movement or progress in a specific direction, often implying intent or purpose. For example, "The company advanced toward its goal of market dominance."

Common error

Avoid using "advanced to" when you mean "advanced toward". "Advanced to" typically implies a promotion or progression to a higher level, while "advanced toward" indicates physical movement or progress in a direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "advanced toward" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating movement or progression in a specific direction. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, illustrated by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "advanced toward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively describes movement in a specific direction. Ludwig's analysis, drawing from a wide array of sources, indicates that it carries a neutral tone and is commonly found in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. It’s important to consider the subtle differences in meaning when choosing between "advanced toward" and similar phrases like "moved towards" or "approached", as the former often implies a deliberate or strategic intent. Furthermore, be mindful not to confuse it with "advanced to", which has a different meaning related to progression or promotion. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moved towards

Emphasizes the act of moving in the direction of something without necessarily implying progress or confrontation.

proceeded to

Suggests a deliberate and orderly movement or action towards a specific point or goal.

approached

Focuses on the act of coming nearer to something, often without a specific sense of purpose.

progressed towards

Highlights the idea of making forward movement or development in a particular direction.

marched on

Implies a determined and organized movement, often associated with military or protest actions.

converged on

Suggests multiple entities moving towards a single point from different directions.

made headway towards

Focuses on making progress or achieving advancement in a certain direction or goal.

gravitated to

Implies a natural or inevitable attraction or movement towards something.

stepped toward

Highlights a single, deliberate step in the direction of something.

drifted toward

Suggests a slow, passive movement in a particular direction, often without a clear intention.

FAQs

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

Use "advanced toward" to describe movement in a specific direction. For example, "The army "advanced toward" the enemy lines."

What are some alternatives to "advanced toward"?

Alternatives include "moved towards", "approached", or "proceeded to", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "advanced to" instead of "advanced toward"?

While "advanced to" can be correct in certain contexts (such as "He advanced to the next level"), it is not interchangeable with "advanced toward", which indicates movement in a direction. Consider your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "advanced toward" and "approached"?

"Advanced toward" often implies a more deliberate or strategic movement, while "approached" simply means coming nearer. The former can suggest purpose or even confrontation.