bend towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"bend towards" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a physical action or an attitude: a person or object bending or turning towards something else. For example: "The trees bent towards the sun, their branches reaching eagerly for its warmth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

TV arcs bend towards their own form of justice.

The Guardian - Film

The arc of the universe does bend towards justice.

The Washington Post

The children bend towards the screen as if its glow were pulling them closer.

The Guardian

The arc "may bend towards justice," he said, "but it doesn't bend on its own".

The New York Times

There are times when leaders need to bring out the best in people, not cravenly bend towards the worst.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the best baddies have a little something that makes us bend towards them, despite our better judgment.

The Guardian - Books

The front is all screen with thin bezels top and bottom and curved edges that bend towards metal sides.

The Guardian - Tech

The arc of the moral universe may bend towards justice, but it doesn't bend on its own.

The New York Times

The Rugby World Cup is steaming around the bend towards them but what England really need on Saturday afternoon is tunnel vision.

The Guardian - Sport

A sublime duet they recorded called All Flowers in Time Bend Towards the Sun is floating around the internet, to her irritation.

The Guardian - Music

"The arc of the moral universe may bend towards justice," the president said, adopting a line from Dr. King, "but it doesn't bend on its own.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bend towards", ensure the subject can logically perform the action of bending, either physically or metaphorically. For example, say "the branch bends towards the light" or "the policy bends towards stricter regulations".

Common error

Avoid using "bend towards" when a simple 'move towards' or 'favor' would be more appropriate. Overusing the bending metaphor can make your writing sound convoluted. Use it in scenarios when there is an actual inclination involved, physical or not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bend towards" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a physical or metaphorical movement in a specific direction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, as shown in the numerous examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bend towards" is a versatile phrase used to describe either a physical action of bending or a metaphorical inclination in a specific direction. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it's crucial to ensure the subject logically performs the act of bending, enhancing clarity and impact. Related phrases such as "incline toward" or "lean toward" can serve as alternatives depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incline toward

Indicates a tendency or preference for something, similar to bending in attitude or opinion.

lean toward

Suggests a physical or metaphorical leaning in a specific direction.

gravitate toward

Implies a natural attraction or movement towards something.

tend toward

Indicates a general direction or inclination, suggesting a less forceful movement.

curve toward

Specifically denotes a curving path or direction towards something.

veer toward

Suggests a change in direction, moving towards a particular point.

turn toward

Emphasizes a change of focus or orientation towards something.

angle toward

Indicates movement along an angle towards something.

be drawn to

Denotes being attracted or influenced by something.

move in the direction of

More explicitly describes the act of moving physically or metaphorically toward something.

FAQs

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

"Bend towards" can describe physical movement, such as "The tree branches "bend towards" the sun", or a shift in opinion, such as "The committee's decision "bends towards" stricter regulations".

What phrases are similar to "bend towards"?

Alternatives to "bend towards" include phrases like "incline toward", "lean toward", or "gravitate toward", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "bend towards" in a formal setting?

Yes, "bend towards" is acceptable in formal settings, particularly when describing a directional shift or inclination. However, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning and consider more formal alternatives like "move in the direction of" if needed.

What's the difference between "bend towards" and "tend towards"?

"Bend towards" often implies a more deliberate or noticeable shift in direction or inclination, whereas "tend toward" suggests a general tendency or drift in a particular direction over time.