extend toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"extend toward" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something growing or extending in a particular direction. For example, "The branches of this tree extend toward the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

First-floor decks will extend toward the water to allow owners to walk directly into boats.

The New York Times - Travel

Lawns with a sunken garden, a pond and ornamental shrubs extend toward the woods and an area for horseback riding.

The New York Times

The start of the Batterhorn will move from the bottom of the bleachers to the home run porch in left field and will extend toward center field.

The New York Times

This is, of course, assuming that the swelling enveloping the injury does not extend toward her foot, which would continue to make the boot/shin contact painful.

The New York Times - Sports

Though Ms. Hudes grounds these works in the specifics of her Hispanic background, her plays, particularly "Water by the Spoonful" extend toward other cultures and communities.

The New York Times

They are negatively geotropic, meaning that — unlike the roots of plants, which are positively geotropic and extend toward the earth — they tend to move away from the ground.

The New Yorker

The first of these grow toward the apex, but, as tip growth ceases, procambial strands form above and extend toward the base, passing through the node, or point of insertion of the leaf primordium, and into the stem below.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

He had his hand extended toward me.

The New York Times - Sports

The hand is extended toward a small child.

The New York Times - Health

Mary took the jug of milk the butler extended toward her.

The New York Times

A huge flat plain extended toward snowcaps on every side, and dry riverbeds bisected the emptiness like tears.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extend toward", ensure that the subject performing the action is clearly defined and that the direction is unambiguous to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "extend toward" in overly abstract contexts where a more specific verb might be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "The benefits extend toward all employees", consider "The benefits apply to all employees".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extend toward" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating direction or movement. It describes something reaching or progressing in a specific direction, often with a physical or metaphorical sense, Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extend toward" functions as a verb phrase that primarily indicates direction or movement. With "extend toward", users can be specific regarding the target or endpoint. This phrase is deemed grammatically correct and very common, as stated by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in science, news and media, and encyclopedia contexts. While versatile, it is important to consider more specific alternatives in abstract situations. "Extend toward" finds itself commonly used and properly applied throughout various authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach towards

Replaces "extend" with a more direct verb while maintaining the sense of direction.

stretch out toward

Emphasizes the act of reaching or extending physically toward something.

move in the direction of

Offers a more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the act of moving towards something.

point in the direction of

Focuses on the directional aspect, suitable when indicating a specific target.

go towards

A simpler, more informal way of expressing movement in a specific direction.

head in the direction of

Suggests a deliberate movement with a clear intention of reaching a destination.

progress toward

Suggests a gradual advancement or development in the direction of a goal.

aim at

Focuses on the target or objective, implying an intention to reach it.

gravitate to

Implies a natural or inherent attraction towards something.

converge upon

Suggests multiple elements coming together toward a central point.

FAQs

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

You can use "extend toward" to describe something reaching or moving in a particular direction. For example, "The branches of the tree "extend toward" the sunlight" or "The company's influence "extend toward" international markets".

What are some alternatives to using "extend toward"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reach towards", "move in the direction of", or "stretch out toward".

Is "extend toward" formal or informal?

"Extend toward" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in formal writing, especially in scientific or technical fields.

What does it mean when something "extends toward" something else?

When something "extends toward" something else, it means that it reaches, stretches, or moves in the direction of that other thing. It implies a directional relationship.