head in the direction of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "head in the direction of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving directions or indicating a course of action towards a specific location or goal. Example: "To reach the park, you need to head in the direction of the main road and then take a left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Ken inclines his head in the direction of the passageway.

The Guardian

He even hinted that Silk Road might head in the direction of selling weapons.

The Guardian - Tech

We head in the direction of the train station for Sunday lunch.

The Guardian - Travel

"Look at the guy — he's always happy," said Brian Schneider, nodding his head in the direction of a smiling Francoeur.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's the dude who stays at Kado Street?" Todd asks, jerking his head in the direction of Armando Colón's departure.

The New Yorker

He worked in an investment bank back that way, he said, tilting his head in the direction of South Station.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Recently, the G.O.P. has been heading in the direction of the Tories.

The New Yorker

In short, it means the gun control debate is likely heading in the direction of healthcare.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The field is clearly headed in the direction of organ regeneration.

The New York Times - Science

"Ah," he says, his accent heading in the direction of the Caribbean.

The Guardian

But an abundance of other films had headed in the direction of restaurant vérité.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "head in the direction of" to clearly indicate a general direction rather than a precise location. For example, "We decided to head in the direction of the mountains", suggests a destination but leaves room for flexibility.

Common error

Avoid using "head in the direction of" when a precise destination is known. Instead of saying "We headed in the direction of the Eiffel Tower" when you are standing in front of it, use "We went to the Eiffel Tower."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "head in the direction of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the general direction or area towards which someone or something is moving, without necessarily specifying a precise destination. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, with examples showing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "head in the direction of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a general direction or area of movement. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's appropriate for neutral and even formal settings, it's important to avoid using it when a precise destination is known. Consider alternatives like "proceed towards" for a more formal tone, or simply "go towards" when specifying a general area. Remember, the phrase's strength lies in its ability to suggest a course without pinpoint accuracy, making it a valuable tool for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move toward

Suggests a general movement in the direction of something, less specific than heading.

go towards

Indicates a physical movement with a clear destination in mind.

make for

Implies setting out to reach a destination; more decisive than simply heading.

set out for

Emphasizes the beginning of a journey toward a specific place.

proceed toward

A more formal way of saying to move or go in the direction of something.

make one's way to

Suggests navigating or overcoming obstacles to reach a destination.

take the road to

Implies a literal or figurative path leading to a destination.

aim for

Suggests a goal or target that one is trying to reach.

steer toward

Implies controlled movement, often used in the context of vehicles or decision-making.

incline toward

Suggests a tendency or preference for a particular direction or viewpoint.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "head in the direction of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "proceed towards" or "make one's way to". These alternatives add a level of sophistication suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to use "head to" instead of "head in the direction of"?

While "head to" is a common and perfectly acceptable phrase, it implies a more direct and definite route to a specific location. "Head in the direction of" is used when you are generally moving towards an area without a precise endpoint.

What's the difference between "move toward" and "head in the direction of"?

"Move toward" suggests a simple act of moving closer, while "head in the direction of" implies intention and a conscious decision to go towards a particular area. The latter involves a sense of purpose or navigation.

Can I use "go towards" interchangeably with "head in the direction of"?

Yes, "go towards" is a suitable alternative, particularly when describing physical movement. However, "head in the direction of" might be preferred when there is a broader area or general vicinity in mind rather than a specific point.