move directly toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move directly toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of heading straight for a specific destination or goal without deviation. Example: "In order to achieve our objectives, we must move directly toward our target market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But he argued that the government should not waste its time with the medium-term proposals and instead move directly toward more radical reform with a principles-based system.

The New York Times

From leave point, the robot continues to move directly toward the goal again.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Ideally, Langerman continues, the worker would have been trained to "drop and roll" to quench flames, or to move directly toward a shower.

Science Magazine

In a complex society of competing interests, and especially in politics, you almost never get to move directly toward where you want to go (your version of the Good).

Huffington Post

On toward-avatar trials, the item would move directly toward the avatar.

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In offering security guarantees to the North, Mr. Bush wisely overruled hawkish administration officials who preferred moving directly toward coercive economic and military steps.

The New York Times

After reaching periscope depth and then diving, the Greeneville turned around and began moving directly toward the Ehime Maru, the safety board said.

The New York Times

A study of videotapes from better years showed that Hentgen, a right-hander, was leaning toward first base and not moving directly toward home plate when he prepared to throw his pitches.

The New York Times - Sports

In other words, when the object was moving directly toward them, people were terrible at estimating distance, bad at guessing speed and highly inaccurate at predicting trajectory — a combination all but guaranteed to increase the opposition's batting average.

The New York Times - Sports

The maximum of the frequency is observed at point where the transmitter moves directly toward the receiver, while the minimum frequency is measured when the transmitter is at point moving exactly away from the receiver.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

After habituation, the infants were shown either the identical behavior with the barrier removed (e.g., the small ball moving toward the big ball and then jumping in the air before meeting the large ball) or a different behavior in which the small ball moved directly toward the large ball.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move directly toward" to clearly indicate a straight, uninterrupted path towards a specific goal or destination. Avoid using it when the path is indirect or involves deviations.

Common error

Avoid using "move directly toward" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where a more nuanced verb might be appropriate. For instance, instead of "move directly toward understanding", consider "gain a better understanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move directly toward" functions as a phrasal verb, where "move" is the verb and "directly toward" acts as an adverbial modifier specifying the direction and manner of movement. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "move directly toward" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe a clear and focused movement towards a specific goal or destination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's acceptable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts including news, science and wikis, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the path is indeed direct and uninterrupted. Alternatives such as "head straight for" or "go directly to" can be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

head straight for

Implies an immediate and undeviating course of action.

go directly to

Suggests a simple and straightforward movement to a location.

advance directly to

More formal, indicating a deliberate and planned progression.

proceed straight to

Similar to "go directly to" but with a slightly more official tone.

make a beeline for

Informal and conveys a sense of urgency or strong desire.

set a direct course for

Suggests a determined and unwavering path.

steer directly toward

Emphasizes guidance and control in the movement.

orient oneself toward

Implies mental or physical alignment toward a goal.

target directly

Focuses on aiming or directing something at a specific point.

gravitate toward

Suggests a natural inclination or attraction leading to movement.

FAQs

How can I use "move directly toward" in a sentence?

You can use "move directly toward" to describe physical movement, as in "The car "steered directly toward" the exit", or metaphorical progress, such as "The company is "moving toward" a more sustainable business model".

What are some alternatives to "move directly toward"?

Alternatives include "head straight for", "go directly to", or "make a beeline for", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it more correct to say "move directly toward" or "move direct toward"?

"Move directly toward" is the grammatically correct form. The adverb "directly" modifies the verb "move", indicating the manner of movement. "Move direct toward" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "move toward" and "move directly toward"?

"Move toward" indicates a general direction or trend, while "move directly toward" emphasizes a straight, uninterrupted path or focus on a specific target. For instance, "We are "moving toward" a solution" suggests progress in a general sense, whereas "We will "move directly toward" resolving the issue" implies a focused and immediate effort.