curve toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curve toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or metaphorical bending or inclination in a particular direction. Example: "The road begins to curve toward the mountains as we drive further into the countryside."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both are moving along the energy curve toward iron and nickel.

The Guardian

The blades are made to twist or curve toward one another, and, when completely closed, their points should touch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When stroked lightly on its lower side, the tendril will, in a minute or two, curve toward that side.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The communion between reviewer and his public is based upon the presumption of certain possible joys of reading, and all our discriminations should curve toward that end.

The New Yorker

A ball thrown with such power that it does not even begin to curve toward the ground is called — as in baseball — a frozen rope.

The New Yorker

"What it means is there is going to be an a delay in the upward curve toward academic improvement at some schools.

The New York Times

"We want to make sure the inner rim follows the same pitch as the board," Mr. Begonja said, for the soundboard is not flat -- it rises in a slight curve toward the middle.

The New York Times

On the one side there are the sorts of video games that curve toward Hollywood's example: they present cinematic story lines and employ filmic techniques to create a drama in which the player is the protagonist.

The New Yorker

The Italian-born and British-trained Mr. Tisci, like Mr. Galliano an alumni of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, has climbed the steep learning curve toward the heights of haute couture at Givenchy.

The New York Times

Although robotic planes already fill the air and self-driving cars are being tested on public roads, many specialists in robotics believe that the learning curve toward useful humanoid robots will be steep.

The New York Times - Science

In most ferns, the antheridia appear before the archegonia and continue to develop as the latter mature; furthermore, the archegonial necks curve toward the mature antheridia so that fertilization can readily occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curve toward" when describing a physical path or trajectory that bends in a specific direction, or when illustrating an abstract shift or inclination.

Common error

Avoid using "curve toward" excessively in abstract contexts where simpler verbs like "move toward" or "incline toward" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curve toward" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "curve" acts as the verb and "toward" as a preposition indicating direction. It illustrates a movement or orientation along a curved path, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "curve toward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes movement or orientation along a curved path. According to Ludwig AI, it's deemed correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in science and news media. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "bend towards" or "incline toward" in abstract settings. Remember that while both "toward" and "towards" are acceptable, "toward" is more common in American English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bend towards

Implies a bending motion directed at something, similar to curving but may suggest a sharper angle.

arc towards

Specifically implies a curved path directed at something, similar to "curve toward" but with a stronger emphasis on the curved shape.

incline toward

Suggests a leaning or tendency in a certain direction, often used in a more abstract or figurative sense.

veer towards

Indicates a change in direction, often suddenly or unexpectedly, but with a movement towards something.

deflect towards

Suggests a bending or turning from an initial path and redirecting towards a new point.

trend toward

Describes a general direction or pattern of change, suggesting a gradual shift in a particular direction.

move in the direction of

A more literal and descriptive way of saying "curve toward", focusing on the act of movement.

turn in the direction of

Similar to "move in the direction of", emphasizing the act of turning or orienting oneself towards something.

converge toward

Indicates movement from multiple points coming together or focusing on a single point.

gravitate toward

Implies attraction or a natural pull towards something, whether literal or figurative.

FAQs

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

You can use "curve toward" to describe physical movement, such as "The road began to "curve toward" the mountains" or abstract concepts like "His interests "curve toward" environmental activism".

What are some alternatives to "curve toward"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "bend towards", "incline toward", or "veer towards".

Is it correct to say "curve towards" instead of "curve toward"?

While both "toward" and "towards" are generally acceptable as prepositions indicating direction, "toward" is slightly more common in American English. Both options are grammatically valid, but consider your audience and writing style.

What's the difference between "curve toward" and "move toward"?

"Curve toward" implies a bending or arcing motion, while "move toward" simply indicates movement in a particular direction without specifying the path.