move toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate progress or direction towards a goal, idea, or physical location. Example: "We need to move toward a more sustainable future to combat climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Move toward ballistic fingerprinting?

The New York Times

They may well yet move toward us.

The New Yorker

These spots then move toward the poles.

The Economist

A gradual move toward reform appears evident.

The New York Times

Females move toward and locate calling males.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In any case, you move toward me.

The New Yorker

How do we move toward that goal?

The New York Times

"If so, I'll move toward beta hydroxy acids".

The New York Times

Move toward the screen, and things become stranger still.

The New York Times - Arts

But he warned farmers to move toward using conventional seeds.

The New York Times

A sincere move toward transparency cannot come soon enough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move toward" to indicate a deliberate step-by-step approach to achieving a specific goal or objective. For instance, "The company is moving toward a paperless office to reduce waste and improve efficiency."

Common error

Avoid using "move toward" in situations where a more precise verb could offer greater clarity. Instead of saying "We need to move toward a solution", consider specifying the action: "We need to implement a solution."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move toward" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating direction, intention, or progress. It is used to express a gradual shift or advancement towards a goal or a specific condition, which is validated from Ludwig AI, that confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "move toward" is a versatile expression used to indicate progress, direction, or intention across a variety of contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media, scientific literature, and encyclopedic content. Alternatives such as "advance towards" or "progress towards" offer similar meanings. When writing, it's best to use "move toward" to describe a deliberate step-by-step approach, while avoiding its overuse in vague contexts where more specific verbs could enhance clarity. Its widespread use across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its reliability and applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance towards

Emphasizes forward motion and progress in a specific direction.

progress towards

Highlights the gradual development or improvement in reaching a particular goal.

shift towards

Suggests a change in direction or focus, indicating a transition.

gravitate to

Implies a natural attraction or inclination towards something.

incline towards

Indicates a tendency or predisposition to favor something.

head in the direction of

Describes a physical movement or course of action.

make headway towards

Highlights the act of making progress, often against resistance.

steer toward

Suggests guiding or directing something towards a specific outcome or location.

aspire to

Implies having a strong desire or ambition to achieve something.

work towards

Focuses on the effort and actions taken to achieve a particular aim or goal.

FAQs

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

Use "move toward" to describe progress or direction. For example: "The project is moving toward completion", or "The company decided to move toward a more sustainable business model".

What can I say instead of "move toward"?

You can use alternatives like "advance towards", "progress towards", or "shift towards" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "move towards"?

Yes, "move towards" is grammatically correct and interchangeable with "move toward". Both phrases are commonly used to indicate progression or direction.

What is the difference between "move toward" and "head in the direction of"?

"Move toward" generally implies a deliberate and often gradual advancement. "Head in the direction of" suggests a more specific directional movement, but doesn't necessarily imply a concrete plan or goal.