is heading towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is heading towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a direction or destination that someone or something is moving towards, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The project is heading towards completion, and we expect to finish by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Greece is heading towards its third "bailout".

Independent

Now it is heading towards 115p.

The Guardian - Business

"This season is heading towards disaster.

Independent

Now, it is heading towards normality.

The Economist

Journalism is heading towards "free".

The Guardian - Opinion

Now it is heading towards $1.27.

The Guardian - Business

ISIS international is heading towards Moscow.

The Washington Post

A trolley is heading towards a group of people.

Harvard University

The SNP is heading towards a historic 100,000 members.

The Guardian

Jersey looks rich – but it is heading towards bankruptcy.

The Guardian

The future is heading towards, not away from, the BBC.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is heading towards" to clearly indicate a trajectory or expected outcome. This phrase is suitable for both literal and figurative contexts, making your writing precise and easily understood.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal documents. Over-reliance on "is heading towards" can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms like "is progressing toward" or "is moving toward" for a more sophisticated tone in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is heading towards" functions as a dynamic verb phrase, indicating movement or progression in a specific direction. It suggests a trajectory or expected outcome, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is heading towards" is a versatile verb phrase indicating movement or progression toward a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While its neutral register makes it widely applicable, more formal settings might benefit from synonyms like "is progressing toward". Keep in mind that It's important to use this phrase to show a trajectory and expected results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is moving toward

Emphasizes the action of physically or metaphorically approaching a destination. Slightly less suggestive of inevitability than the original phrase.

is progressing toward

Highlights the gradual advancement toward a goal or outcome. Conveys a sense of ongoing development.

is advancing toward

Similar to progressing, but with a stronger implication of overcoming obstacles or resistance.

is drifting toward

Suggests a passive or unintentional movement towards something. Lacks the proactive sense of "heading".

is tending toward

Indicates a general inclination or predisposition in a certain direction, often without a specific endpoint.

is leaning toward

Implies a preference or bias in a particular direction or decision.

is evolving into

Focuses on the transformation process and the final state of development.

is developing into

Similar to evolving, but can also refer to a more deliberate or planned process.

is aiming for

Indicates a conscious effort to achieve a specific target or objective. Emphasizes intention.

is working toward

Suggests effort and dedication in order to make the approach real.

FAQs

What does "is heading towards" mean?

The phrase "is heading towards" means that something is moving or progressing in the direction of a particular place, situation, or outcome. It indicates a trajectory or expected result.

What can I say instead of "is heading towards"?

You can use alternatives like "is moving toward", "is progressing toward", or "is advancing toward" depending on the context.

Is "heading towards" the same as "heading to"?

While similar, "heading towards" implies a general direction or outcome, whereas "heading to" typically specifies a precise location or destination. For example, "The project is heading towards completion" versus "I'm heading to the store".

How formal is the phrase "is heading towards"?

The phrase "is heading towards" is generally considered neutral in formality. It is appropriate for most contexts, including news articles, reports, and casual conversation, but might benefit from a more sophisticated synonym in very formal writing.