bow toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bow toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of bending at the waist as a sign of respect or greeting in the direction of someone or something. Example: "As the ceremony began, the attendees were instructed to bow toward the flag in honor of their country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Mr. Yanai finished with a deep bow toward the island.

The New York Times

In a bow toward oral precedents, Prologue hired an actor to portray a shaman delivering news.

The New York Times

Even the most traditional conductors give a bow toward some aspects of the style.

The New York Times - Arts

Despite his bow toward noninvolvement, Roosevelt had broken with the traditional position of isolation from affairs outside the Western Hemisphere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the case of Earl Thomas's bow toward the Cowboys' sideline Sunday, there was a Texas-sized amount of subtext.

The Washington Post

Another reflection of social change is a bow toward the growth of Islam in the United States.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Suzuki bowed toward the crowd in appreciation before play resumed.

The New York Times - Sports

Piazza replied by bowing toward the stands and blowing kisses.

The New York Times - Sports

Along the waterline, fishing poles planted in the sand bowed toward the waves.

The Guardian

Fans screamed for him as he thanked them, and Yomiuri's M.V.P., Shinnosuke Abe, bowed toward Matsui.

The New York Times - Sports

The boat hadn't glided 20 feet, however, before my father's pole bowed toward the water.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bow toward" to describe a physical act of respect or a metaphorical inclination towards an idea or direction. Ensure the context clearly indicates whether the bow is literal or figurative for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "bow toward" solely to indicate physical direction without any implication of respect or deference. If the intent is purely directional, phrases like "turn toward" or "face toward" might be more appropriate and prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bow toward" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that indicates direction or orientation, often with an added implication of respect, deference, or acknowledgment. Ludwig's examples reveal usage across various contexts, reinforcing its role in expressing both physical actions and metaphorical inclinations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bow toward" is a versatile prepositional phrase indicating direction with an added layer of respect or inclination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in contexts ranging from news and media to academic writing. While alternatives like "incline towards" or "nod towards" exist, "bow toward" distinctly conveys a sense of reverence or deference. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies whether the bow is literal or figurative to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bend towards

Implies a physical bending or curving in the direction of something.

incline towards

Suggests a physical or metaphorical leaning in a specific direction.

nod towards

Indicates a brief, often subtle, acknowledgment or agreement.

face towards

Emphasizes orientation and direction.

turn towards

Focuses on the act of physically turning in a specific direction.

give respect to

A more general expression of showing honor or esteem.

lean in the direction of

Suggests a leaning or inclination towards something, either physically or figuratively.

pay homage to

Suggests a formal and public expression of respect or reverence.

show deference to

Implies respect and submission to someone or something.

offer obeisance to

Implies a deep, often ritualistic, act of respect or submission.

FAQs

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

You can use "bow toward" to describe a physical action of lowering your head or body as a sign of respect, as in "The performer "bowed toward" the audience". It can also describe an inclination or deference to an idea or concept.

What's the difference between "bow toward" and "bend toward"?

"Bow toward" often implies respect or acknowledgement, while "bend toward" typically refers to a physical action of curving or leaning in a direction. The context usually clarifies the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "bow toward"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "incline towards", "nod towards", or "pay homage to".

Is "bow toward" formal or informal?

"Bow toward" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. It is frequently found in news articles and academic papers, suggesting a neutral to formal register.