develop toward

USAGE SUMMARY

'develop toward' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a change or progression toward a certain end or goal. For example: "The company has been developing toward becoming an industry leader for the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Since some of the younger sites currently demonstrate an increasing proportional abundance of black sheoak (e.g., up to 35% in some locations), time will tell whether these sites (which are otherwise on course to achieve similar compositional and structural levels as the reference sites) could develop toward a similar state of arrested development without any future management intervention.

Ecological Processes

Over the last 20 years I've seen a supremacy attitude develop toward local blacks around here".

The New York Times

At that point, the embryo kept in cold storage begins to develop toward joeyhood.

The New York Times - Science

Kabuki plays include a variety of intermingled episodes which develop toward a final dramatic climax.

Britannica

We outline the approach that we develop toward a better understanding of thin film mechanics.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The gene makes a protein that pumps toxin out of cells, and is a major cause of the resistance that tumors often develop toward chemotherapeutic agents.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The world is increasingly developing toward complex and chaotic behaviour.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

A feeling of dissatisfaction also developed toward the existing governmental and missionary institutions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I've long been puzzled by the intense animosity many people developed toward Mrs. Clinton after she became first lady.

The New York Times

Ultrasonic time-of-flight meters are slowly developing toward these apparently conflicting but demanding criteria.

Pipeline Rules of Thumb Handbook Quick and accurate solutions to your everyday pipeline problems

Based on these results, anti-HER2 immunoliposomes have been developed toward clinical trials.

Journal of Controlled Release

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develop toward", ensure the context clearly defines the end goal or state. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The project is developing toward completion", you could say "The project is developing toward successful completion by the end of the quarter".

Common error

Avoid using "develop toward" without specifying a clear direction or outcome. This can lead to confusion and weaken your statement. Ensure the sentence includes what is being developed and what it's developing toward. A vague "It's developing toward something" lacks impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop toward" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of change or progression in a specific direction. It is used to describe how something is gradually moving or transforming into something else. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "develop toward" is a versatile phrase used to describe a process of change or progression in a specific direction. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral, it leans towards formal and scientific registers. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the direction or end goal is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "progress towards" or "move towards" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progress towards

Emphasizes advancement in the direction of a specific goal or outcome.

evolve towards

Highlights a gradual transformation in the direction of something specific.

move towards

Suggests a shift or change in orientation in a specific direction.

trend toward

Indicates a general inclination or pattern of change in a specific direction.

veer toward

Implies a course correction or a noticeable change in direction.

shift toward

Suggests a change in position or emphasis towards something new.

incline towards

Highlights a predisposition or leaning in a specific direction.

head in the direction of

Emphasizes a clear course or path being followed.

gravitate towards

Implies a natural attraction or pull in a specific direction.

work toward

Focuses on making effort to reach a particular goal or outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "develop toward" to describe a process of growth or progression in a specific direction. For example, "The company is "developing toward" becoming an industry leader" or "Research is "developing toward" a cure for the disease".

What are some alternatives to using "develop toward"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "progress towards", "evolve towards", or "move towards" as alternatives to "develop toward".

Is it better to use "develop toward" or "developing toward"?

The choice between "develop toward" and "developing toward" depends on the tense you want to convey. "Develop toward" is used for general statements or future intentions, while "developing toward" is used for ongoing processes. For example, "The plan is to "develop toward" sustainability" versus "The project is "developing toward" completion".

How does "develop toward" differ from "evolve toward"?

"Develop toward" generally implies a more deliberate or planned process, while "evolve toward" suggests a more natural or gradual transformation. "We are "developing toward" a new product line" suggests a planned action, whereas "Society is "evolving toward" greater acceptance" implies a gradual societal shift.