is moving in the direction of

USAGE SUMMARY

'is moving in the direction of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object, a situation, an opinion, or anything else that is progressing in a certain direction. For example: My opinion on this subject is moving in the direction of a more liberal approach.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Children are the future of mankind because mankind is moving in the direction of infancy.

The New Yorker

He made the uncontroversial, industry-wide observation that print is moving in the direction of digital.

The New York Times

Maybe Sir Peter Hendy might also be pleased that London is moving in the direction of Mumbai.

The Guardian

Measures limiting gun ownership are a sure sign that government is moving in the direction of central control and tyranny.

The New York Times

But, however hedged, Mr. Obama's comment shows that he understands the stakes and that he is moving in the direction of economic reality.

The Washington Post

Likewise, anxiety about North Korea is already starting to topple one domino -- Japan is moving in the direction of a nuclear capability.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"We are moving in the direction of a liberal society.

The New York Times

"We are moving in the direction of becoming less welcoming".

The New York Times

"People are moving in the direction of comprehensive reform".

Huffington Post

And Facebook is moving in the direction.

TechCrunch

The Government of Ghana is moving in the right direction.

Health Economics Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is moving in the direction of" to describe gradual changes or trends rather than sudden shifts. For example, "The company is moving in the direction of sustainable practices" suggests a gradual adoption of environmentally friendly policies.

Common error

While "is moving in the direction of" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound verbose. Opt for more concise alternatives like "is heading towards" or "is progressing towards" where appropriate to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is moving in the direction of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the trajectory or progression of a subject towards a particular outcome or state. It suggests a tendency or inclination rather than a definitive arrival, which is confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is moving in the direction of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe progression or inclination towards a specific outcome. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal writing, although writers should be mindful of potential verbosity. Common alternatives include "is heading towards" and "is progressing towards", each with slightly different nuances. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources, reflecting its broad applicability in describing evolving situations and trends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is heading towards

This alternative is more direct and implies a more definite course.

is progressing towards

This alternative emphasizes gradual development and advancement.

is tending towards

This alternative suggests a natural inclination or predisposition.

is gravitating towards

This alternative implies a pull or attraction towards something.

is shifting towards

This alternative indicates a change in position or focus.

is veering towards

This alternative suggests a slight deviation or turn in course.

is developing into

This alternative focuses on the transformation and evolution into a new state.

is evolving towards

This alternative emphasizes a gradual and natural development.

is aiming for

This alternative highlights the intended goal or objective.

is oriented toward

This alternative emphasizes alignment or focus on a specific target or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "is moving in the direction of" in a sentence?

You can use "is moving in the direction of" to describe a trend, a change in opinion, or the progress of something. For example, "The economy is moving in the direction of recovery" or "My thinking on this issue is moving in the direction of supporting the proposal".

What are some alternatives to "is moving in the direction of"?

Alternatives include "is heading towards", "is progressing towards", or "is tending towards". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it best to use "is moving in the direction of" instead of "is heading towards"?

"Is moving in the direction of" is best when you want to emphasize a gradual or less certain progression. "Is heading towards" implies a more direct and definite course.

Is "is moving in the direction of" considered formal or informal?

The phrase "is moving in the direction of" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for both professional and academic writing.