headed towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "headed towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the direction that someone or something is heading, and can also describe a general direction or trend. For example: "The bus was headed towards the city center."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We got off and headed towards Clapham.

The Guardian

A storm is headed towards Columbia.

Independent

Are we headed towards war?

The Guardian

It has been headed towards expensive obsolescence".

The New York Times

England headed towards liberty, France towards absolutism".

The Guardian

But "on its current path, [it] is headed towards bankruptcy".

The Economist

"I suppose it's on the list because that's the world we're headed towards".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

We head towards the M1.

Independent

Greece is heading towards its third "bailout".

Independent

His personal debts were heading towards $1 billion.

The Economist

Is the country heading towards fascism?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "headed towards", ensure the destination or goal is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The company is headed towards change", specify what kind of change: "The company is headed towards a more sustainable business model".

Common error

Avoid using "headed towards" with overly abstract or intangible concepts without providing concrete context. Saying something is "headed towards improvement" is vague. Instead, specify what is improving and how: "The project is headed towards completion with the implementation of the new workflow".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "headed towards" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating direction or trajectory. It is used to describe the movement of something or someone in a particular direction, as demonstrated by the examples in Ludwig. It suggests a course or path being followed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "headed towards" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe movement or progression in a specific direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. With a neutral register and frequent use in news, science, and general contexts, it serves to indicate a destination, outcome, or future state. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the destination or goal is well-defined. Alternatives such as "moving toward" or "aiming for" can be considered for nuanced expression. Mastering its usage ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving toward

Focuses on the act of physical movement in a particular direction.

progressing toward

Emphasizes advancement or development in the direction of a goal or objective.

advancing toward

Highlights a forward movement, often in a strategic or planned manner.

on course for

Indicates that something is following a planned trajectory to reach a specific destination.

making headway toward

Highlights progress being made in the direction of a desired outcome.

aiming for

Suggests an intentional effort to reach a specific target or goal.

gravitating toward

Implies a natural or involuntary attraction or pull in a certain direction.

drifting toward

Conveys a gradual and often unintentional movement in a specific direction.

inching toward

Implies a slow and gradual movement in a particular direction.

journeying toward

Emphasizes the act of traveling in the direction of a specific place or goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "headed towards" to indicate movement or progression in a specific direction, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The storm is headed towards the coast" or "The company is headed towards bankruptcy".

What are some alternatives to "headed towards"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "moving toward", "progressing toward", or "aiming for" as alternatives to "headed towards".

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

While "head towards" can be grammatically correct, it usually implies a more immediate or intentional action. "Headed towards" suggests a more general direction or trajectory. For example, "We will head towards the station now", but "The project is headed towards completion".

What's the difference between "headed towards" and "heading towards"?

"Headed towards" is often used to describe a past action or a state of being, while "heading towards" is used for an ongoing action or a continuous state. Both are generally interchangeable, but "heading towards" emphasizes the present or future progression.