headed toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"headed toward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about an object that is moving in a particular direction. For example, "The train was headed toward the station."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We headed toward Bascarsija.

The New Yorker

He headed toward the door.

The New Yorker

Others headed toward Kandahar.

The New York Times

They paused briefly and headed toward it.

The New Yorker

Eventually, he headed toward the exit.

The New Yorker

I headed toward my office at Barnard.

The New Yorker

The skiff headed toward the Iranian dhow.

The New York Times

I headed toward the chairlift again.

The New York Times - Travel

I'm headed toward total financial ruin".

The New Yorker

We headed toward frozen foods.

The New York Times - Magazine

I headed toward the lake.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "headed toward" to clearly indicate a direction or trajectory, whether physical or metaphorical. For instance, "The company is headed toward bankruptcy" effectively communicates impending financial distress.

Common error

Avoid using "headed toward" when describing a static state or condition. It implies movement or progression, so it's incorrect to say, "The building is headed toward the park" if the building is stationary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "headed toward" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating direction or trajectory. It describes the movement or progression of someone or something in a specific direction. As Ludwig confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "headed toward" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate movement, direction, or progression towards a specific destination or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Common usages include describing physical movement or a metaphorical progression. When writing, use "headed toward" to indicate a trajectory and avoid using it in static contexts. Alternatives include "moving towards", "progressing towards" and "advancing towards".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving towards

Indicates a similar sense of direction or progression, but emphasizes the act of moving.

progressing towards

Similar to "headed toward" but with a stronger emphasis on advancement or development.

advancing towards

Highlights the forward motion, often used in contexts where progress is significant.

making way for

Suggests clearing a path or preparing for something that is coming.

on course for

Implies a planned route or trajectory, either literally or figuratively.

making strides toward

Indicates significant progress and effort in reaching a goal.

gearing up for

Implies preparation and readiness for an upcoming event or situation.

orienting oneself towards

Suggests a deliberate alignment of one's perspective or actions.

in the direction of

Focuses on the specific path or route taken.

on the verge of

Suggests being close to a particular state or outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "headed toward" to describe movement in a specific direction or progression towards a particular outcome. For instance, "The ship was headed toward the harbor", or "The project is headed toward completion".

What phrases can I use instead of "headed toward"?

Alternatives include "moving towards", "progressing towards", or "advancing towards" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "head toward" instead of "headed toward"?

While "head toward" can be used, it usually serves as an imperative or infinitive, such as "Head toward the exit". "Headed toward" is the past participle form, used to describe an ongoing action or state.

What's the difference between "headed toward" and "oriented toward"?

"Headed toward" implies movement or progression, while "oriented toward" suggests alignment or focus. For example, "The missile was headed toward its target", whereas "The curriculum is oriented toward practical skills".