impulse towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impulse towards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling or behavior that encourages someone to act in a particular direction, so for example you might say "He received an impulse towards helping the homeless".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Her obituaries demonstrated an impulse towards myth-making and sanctification.

The Guardian - Books

It's about a superpower's self-destructive impulse towards supremacy, stranglehold, global hegemony.

The Guardian

The most determined career woman is suddenly assailed by a deep, dark impulse towards self-annihilation.

The Guardian

If Friel memorably shows the impulse towards emigration, Murphy deals with the infinite pathos of return.

The Guardian

Most people have both an impulse to do what's familiar and comfortable, and an impulse towards novelty and challenge.

Harvard Business Review

It connotes philanthropy and benevolence, a charitable impulse towards the unfortunate from those capable of alleviating poverty, disaster or war.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Impulses towards a multifunctional transition in rural Australia: gaps in the research agenda.

Geoforum

The separation of motives is an important step in trying to understand how impulses towards selfish or generous behavior arise.

European Economic Review

Fukuyama makes us see that such things as good government and laws that protect the weak are more or less universally desired – impulses towards them are to be found wherever political activity exists, and they are surprisingly durable.

The Guardian - Books

Any parent had murderous impulses towards his children from time to time, and it's important to appreciate how the controls may break down, especially since the nuclear family in the last 20 years has disintegrated.

The Guardian - Books

Adallah and Burns share the same impulses towards idealism.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "impulse towards" with strong verbs to showcase direct action. For example, "He channeled his impulse towards creativity by painting".

Common error

Avoid overstating the intensity of the "impulse towards". It doesn't always imply an irresistible force, but rather an inclination. Use it appropriately to reflect the actual strength of the urge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impulse towards" functions as a noun phrase, indicating a driving force or inclination in a particular direction. It highlights a motivation or tendency, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impulse towards" is a versatile phrase used to describe an inclination or driving force in a particular direction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is commonly found in news, science, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to accurately represent the strength of the inclination and to select the right context for clarity. Consider alternatives like "tendency towards" or "inclination to" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tendency towards

Highlights a pattern or likelihood of behaving in a certain way, emphasizing predictability.

impetus towards

Suggests a force that initiates or accelerates movement in a particular direction, implying external influence.

inclination to

Suggests a natural urge or desire, similar to impulse but implying a more conscious choice.

proclivity towards

Suggests a natural inclination or predisposition, implying a more inherent tendency than a simple impulse.

drive toward

Emphasizes a strong, motivated push in a specific direction, often associated with ambition or purpose.

leaning towards

Implies a tendency or preference, often suggesting a gradual shift in opinion or behavior.

urge to

Highlights a strong, immediate desire, focusing on the emotional aspect of the inclination.

predisposition to

Highlights a susceptibility or vulnerability to something, indicating a potential rather than an active drive.

desire for

Focuses on the longing or craving for something, emphasizing the emotional and aspirational aspect.

motivation for

Highlights the underlying reason or incentive for action, emphasizing the rational aspect of the inclination.

FAQs

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

You can use "impulse towards" to describe a tendency or inclination to act in a specific way. For example, "She felt an impulse towards helping others" or "The company had an impulse towards innovation".

What are some alternatives to "impulse towards"?

Alternatives include "tendency towards", "inclination to", or "leaning towards", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "impulse to" instead of "impulse towards"?

While "impulse to" can sometimes be used, "impulse towards" is generally preferred when indicating a direction or general inclination. "Impulse to" often implies a more specific action.

What's the difference between "impulse towards" and "impetus towards"?

"Impulse towards" suggests an internal drive or urge, while "impetus towards" implies an external force or stimulus that encourages movement in a certain direction.