edging towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "edging towards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a gradual approach to an action, event, or decision. For example: "The company is edging towards a decision to invest in new technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am edging towards a guilty verdict.

The Guardian

The Obama administration is edging towards this.

The Guardian

So, cautiously, they are edging towards long-term solutions.

The Economist

Some trailblazers are edging towards whole system integration.

The Guardian

Maxi Jazz is similarly edging towards self-parody.

The Guardian - Music

Coming into retirement used to be seen as edging towards dying, said Cockell, but it should be regarded as "edging towards the second half of your life".

The Guardian

During the discussion, Mr Murdoch was "edging towards" a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU.

Independent

All over the world, species are edging towards the poles as their habitats change.

The Economist

THE war on drugs, it seems, is edging towards a truce.

The Economist

"Our country faces a real and present danger by edging towards exit," Mr. Blair argued.

The New York Times

Daimler is edging towards a threesome with the Renault-Nissan alliance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "edging towards" when you want to emphasize a slow, gradual progression toward a specific outcome or state. It is suitable when the movement is not definite or certain.

Common error

Avoid using "edging towards" when a definitive action or decision has already been made. The phrase implies uncertainty and gradual movement, which is inappropriate if the action is already completed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "edging towards" functions as a phrasal verb with a preposition, indicating a gradual movement or progression. It suggests that something is slowly moving closer to a particular state or outcome, but without necessarily reaching it definitively. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "edging towards" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a gradual movement or progression toward a specific state or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Its usage is especially prevalent in news and media contexts, where it conveys a sense of slow but steady progress. While "edging towards" is appropriate in many situations, it's essential to avoid using it when a definitive action has already occurred. Alternatives like "moving closer to" and "progressing towards" can be used depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving closer to

This alternative emphasizes physical or metaphorical proximity.

inching toward

Emphasizes very slow and gradual progress.

progressing towards

This highlights the ongoing development or advancement.

approaching gradually

Highlights the slowness and incremental nature of the approach.

tending towards

Suggests an inclination or predisposition in a certain direction.

slowly advancing to

Focuses on the pace of the advancement.

gravitating toward

Implies a natural attraction or pull towards something.

nearing gradually

Highlights the act of getting closer with time.

drifting toward

Suggests a passive or unintentional movement.

working up to

Implies a preparation or effort being made to reach a goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "edging towards" to describe a gradual approach to an action, event, or decision. For example, "The company is "edging towards" a decision to invest in new technology."

What can I say instead of "edging towards"?

You can use alternatives like "moving closer to", "progressing towards", or "tending towards" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "edging towards" or "edging to"?

"Edging towards" is the correct and more common usage. "Edging to" is less idiomatic and might sound awkward to native English speakers. It is best to stick with ""edging towards"".

What's the difference between "edging towards" and "approaching"?

"Edging towards" implies a slow, tentative movement with some uncertainty, while "approaching" is a more general term that can describe any movement closer, regardless of speed or certainty. "Edging towards" suggests a more cautious or hesitant advance.