drive towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"drive towards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a physical movement, like driving a car or a boat, towards a specific destination. For example: We drove towards the beach, eager to spend a day in the sun.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One morning we drive towards the peaks.

Independent

In fact, in evolution there's no drive towards bigger brains.

The New York Times - Science

What's next in your drive towards more "efficient" markets?

The Economist

And then there was his furious drive towards sex.

The Guardian - Books

Progress might be made using the government's drive towards apprenticeships.

The Guardian - Books

Drive towards the sand dunes at Mangue Seco.

The Guardian - Travel

Put simply, there can be a sex drive, but not a drive towards anyone.

Independent

They drive towards the line, three metres out, but it's another penalty.

The Guardian - Sport

Some observers have sounded a note of caution about the drive towards digitally enhanced policing though.

The Guardian

France win the line-out and drive towards the Italian try-line.

The Guardian - Sport

Rojo's drive towards excellence, her ambition, can come across as unforgiving.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drive towards" when you want to convey a sense of purpose and momentum in moving towards a specific goal. It implies a focused and active approach.

Common error

Avoid using "drive towards" in contexts where a more passive or gradual movement is intended. Alternatives like "move toward" or "progress toward" may be more appropriate if the action isn't forceful or intentional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drive towards" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a purposeful movement or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples highlight its use in describing both physical and abstract movements toward a goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drive towards" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a purposeful movement or effort in a specific direction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts. While "drive towards" is generally neutral, it's crucial to consider the tone and surrounding language for appropriateness. Common alternative include move towards, "progress towards", and aim for. As Ludwig examples illustrate, this phrase conveys intention, momentum, and proactive effort, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move toward

Emphasizes physical or metaphorical movement in a particular direction; less forceful than "drive towards".

progress toward

Highlights the advancement or development towards a specified objective.

head toward

Implies a direction of travel or focus, similar to "drive towards" but less intense.

work toward

Focuses on effort and labor directed at achieving a specific result.

aim for

Highlights the intention or goal one is trying to achieve.

strive for

Indicates a dedicated and sustained effort to reach a particular goal.

push for

Emphasizes advocacy and promotion to achieve a specific outcome or change.

gravitate toward

Suggests a natural or inherent inclination or attraction towards something.

incline toward

Implies a tendency or predisposition in a certain direction.

aspire to

Focuses on a strong desire or ambition to achieve a high goal or standard.

FAQs

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

You can use "drive towards" to describe a purposeful movement or effort in a specific direction. For instance, "The company is implementing new strategies to "drive towards" greater efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "drive towards"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "move toward", "progress toward", or "aim for".

Is "drive towards" formal or informal?

"Drive towards" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.

What is the difference between "drive towards" and "move towards"?

"Drive towards" implies a more forceful and intentional movement than "move towards". "Drive towards" suggests a proactive effort, while "move towards" can indicate a more passive or gradual shift.