bent towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bent towards" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means to be inclined or leaning in a certain direction. Example: The trees were bent towards the river, as if they were reaching for the water.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the case of air and glass, the light is bent towards the boundary.

The Economist

All of America's efforts there should now be bent towards this aim.

The Economist

Clinton's bent towards secrecy has repeatedly gotten her into political trouble.

The Guardian

Now, all her ambitions as a writer were bent towards expressing the agony of her loss.

The Guardian - Books

The self-insurance against financial fragility is part of a more general bent towards precautionary saving in the developing world.

The Economist

Head bent towards his diagram, pen in hand, he went on: "The red line should be drawn right here".

The Guardian

The result is that £2.2bn shortfall in lending the banks promised, when everything should be bent towards growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Beyond the language element, students can choose from a range of modules that have a bent towards the social sciences.

The Guardian - Money

Somali elders responded with their own letter, accusing the mayor of being an "ill-informed leader who is bent towards bigotry".

The New York Times

There has been a recent trend for special bed socks that keep your foot bent towards your shin at night, which may be effective.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Your favourite: that old divided dark; the white square at your neck; your good ear bent towards the long sighs of your penitent.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bent towards" to describe a physical inclination or a figurative leaning towards an idea, goal, or preference. For example, "The branches were bent towards the sunlight", or "His efforts were bent towards achieving success."

Common error

Avoid using "bent towards" when a more direct synonym like "inclined towards" or "aimed at" would provide greater clarity, especially in formal writing. Ensure the context supports the imagery of bending, either literally or figuratively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bent towards" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate direction, inclination, or tendency. It adds descriptive detail about the orientation or focus of something, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

32%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bent towards" is a versatile prepositional phrase indicating direction, inclination, or tendency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in tone, consider more precise alternatives for highly formal writing. The phrase effectively conveys both physical and figurative orientations, adding nuanced descriptive detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaning towards

Uses "leaning" as a more direct synonym for "bent", emphasizing a physical or figurative inclination.

angled towards

Similar to leaning but implies a more calculated or deliberate direction.

inclined toward

Replaces "bent" with "inclined", suggesting a predisposition rather than a physical bend.

oriented toward

Focuses on the direction or alignment towards a specific goal or object.

geared towards

Implies that something is designed or adapted to a specific purpose or outcome.

disposed to

Indicates a tendency or willingness, similar to being inclined.

predisposed to

Highlights a pre-existing inclination or susceptibility.

directed at

Emphasizes the target or focus of an action or intention.

favoring

Suggests a preference or bias in a particular direction.

with a bias for

Clearly indicates a preference or partiality.

FAQs

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

You can use "bent towards" to describe a physical direction, as in "The tree was "leaning towards" the house", or a figurative inclination, such as "Her interests were "inclined towards" the arts".

What's a good alternative to "bent towards"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "inclined towards", "leaning towards", "oriented towards", or "disposed to".

Is "bent towards" formal or informal?

"Bent towards" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives such as "oriented towards" for increased precision.

What does it mean to say someone's efforts are "bent towards" a goal?

It means their efforts are primarily "directed at" or "focused on" achieving that goal. It implies a strong commitment and dedication to that particular objective.