eastward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eastward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a direction or movement toward the east. Example: "The storm is moving eastward, bringing heavy rain to the coastal areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: The west's assurances to Soviet ministers on eastward expansion of Nato | Letters The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, agrees.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nato bases in the east Nato's expansion eastward has long been cited by Russian leaders as a direct threat to their country's security, and the possibility of Nato bases in central and eastern European countries has been a driving factor behind Russia's intervention in Ukraine.

The Guardian

NATO promised Russia in 1997, during its eastward expansion, that it would not base any troops in the region.

The Economist

Government forces have been redeployed eastward in preparation.

The Economist

He may then counter-attack eastward towards Benghazi.

The Economist

Mr Putin's militarism is bringing about the eastward deployment of NATO forces that he long denounced.

The Economist

Thus the German eastward advance was accompanied by a savagery not seen in Western Europe a fact which no doubt contributed to the eventual rout of the Wehrmacht in the east.Germany, like her or not, is a huge part of Europe and a vital one.

The Economist

For Turkmenistan, it is a chance to reduce dependence on Russian demand.A few days before the event, Vladimir Putin, Russia's prime minister, said that Russia could be comfortable with Turkmenistan's gas flowing eastward.

The Economist

That leaves a Central Europe of Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, which now make up the first tranche of Europe's eastward enlargement.Related items Enlarging the European Union: The Irish agree; now will everyone else kindly do the same?Oct 24th 2002 The European Union: Restoring Europe's smileOct 24th 2002In many ways, these four have already come most of the way home.

The Economist

A Chinese military analyst says the eastward expansion of NATO, an idea to which Mr Putin has recently warmed, would not necessarily harm China's interests.

The Economist

Cossacks, traditional frontier defenders, led an eastward charge of hunters, vagabonds and river pirates.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eastward" to concisely describe movement or direction toward the east, particularly in geographical or military contexts. It adds a sense of formality and precision compared to simply saying "to the east".

Common error

Avoid using "eastward" when you actually mean "eastern". "Eastward" is an adverb or adjective indicating direction, while "eastern" describes a location or region (e.g., "eastern Europe"). For example, say "the migration was eastward", not "the migration was eastern".

Linguistic Context

The word "eastward" primarily functions as an adverb of direction, indicating movement or orientation towards the east. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable and correct term in English. It can also function as an adjective, describing something that is directed towards the east, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eastward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to indicate direction towards the east. Primarily functioning as an adverb or adjective, it offers a concise way to describe movement or orientation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While synonymous with phrases like "towards the east", it conveys a sense of formality and precision. Common usage contexts include news and media, reinforcing its role in factual reporting. Avoiding confusion with "eastern" and using it appropriately in geographical or military contexts are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Eastwards

A synonym with a slightly different spelling, less common in American English.

Towards the east

Replaces the single-word adverb with a prepositional phrase.

To the east

A simple and direct alternative using a preposition.

In an easterly direction

Uses a more descriptive phrase to indicate the direction.

Moving to the east

Highlights the act of relocation or progression in the easterly direction.

Eastbound

Implies movement specifically, akin to 'westbound' or 'northbound'.

Heading east

Emphasizes the action of moving in the specified direction.

On an easterly course

Suggests a planned or intentional direction.

Oriented eastward

Describes something facing or aligned towards the east.

East-directed

Compound adjective indicating direction towards the east.

FAQs

How can I use "eastward" in a sentence?

"Eastward" can be used as an adverb to describe movement towards the east (e.g., "The ship sailed eastward") or as an adjective to describe something directed towards the east (e.g., "the eastward expansion").

What words are similar to "eastward"?

Synonyms and related terms include "eastwards", "towards the east", and "in an easterly direction".

Is "eastward" the same as "eastern"?

No, "eastward" refers to direction or movement toward the east, while "eastern" describes a location or region. For example, "eastern Europe" is a region, while "the birds flew eastward" indicates direction.

When should I use "eastward" versus "to the east"?

"Eastward" is more concise and formal, often used in geographical or military contexts. "To the east" is a simpler and more common phrase for general directions. For example, "The army advanced eastward" is more formal than "The army advanced to the east".