look towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look towards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that one is directing their gaze towards a particular direction. For example, "He looked towards the horizon, wondering what the future held."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We will look towards the Middle Park.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's the guy I look towards," he says.

Independent

One, carrying a rifle, would not look towards the camera.

The Economist

Now look towards your current or future market.

The Guardian

She touches his arm but he doesn't look towards her.

The Guardian - Music

Those at the front look towards the deer park.

The Guardian - Travel

Now you need to look towards your competitors.

The Guardian

Always look towards the end of the eyebrow to give you direction.

The New York Times

Many Israelis look towards a national-unity government, encompassing the Likud as well as Labour.

The Economist

We can look towards a bright future," the former Mexico international added.

Independent

When else would you look towards a friend and say, "Hey, U.N.L.V. is hosting Minnesota!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look towards" to indicate a direction, a future prospect, or a source of guidance. For example, "We should "look towards" renewable energy sources to solve our energy crisis."

Common error

Avoid using "look towards" when a simple "look at" or "look in the direction of" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound stilted. For example, instead of "He "looked towards" the window", simply write, "He looked at the window."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look towards" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. According to Ludwig, it's correct and indicates directing one's gaze or consideration towards something. Examples show it used to express future prospects, direction, or seeking guidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "look towards" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb that conveys direction, anticipation, or seeking guidance. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English. It is prevalent in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts. While generally neutral in register, its use is most effective when conveying a sense of future planning or direction. Consider using synonyms like "focus on" or "consider" to avoid overuse and ensure precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct attention to

Focuses on intentionally guiding attention, often in a formal setting.

focus on

Suggests concentrating effort or thought on a specific area.

turn one's gaze toward

Emphasizes a physical act of looking, often with a sense of expectation.

take into consideration

Implies carefully weighing various factors before making a decision.

consider

Highlights the act of thinking about or evaluating something.

keep in view

Suggests maintaining something as a goal or objective.

bear in mind

Emphasizes remembering or being aware of something important.

gravitate towards

Implies a natural or unconscious movement or inclination.

be inclined to

Suggests a tendency or preference for something.

refer to

Highlights the act of citing or alluding to something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "look towards" can be used to indicate a direction, a future prospect, or a source of guidance. For instance, "The company is "looking towards" expanding its operations in Asia".

What are some alternatives to "look towards"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "focus on", "consider", or "direct attention to".

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

Yes, "look to" is a shorter and often interchangeable alternative to "look towards", although the latter can sometimes emphasize a direction or future prospect more strongly. For example, "We "look to" the government for leadership".

When should I use "look towards" instead of "look at"?

"Look at" is generally used for direct visual observation. "Look towards" implies directing one's gaze or consideration in a specific direction, often with an element of anticipation or expectation. "He "looked at" the painting" versus "He "looked towards" the future".