move toward the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move toward the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing progress or direction in relation to a goal, objective, or physical location. Example: "We need to move toward the implementation of sustainable practices in our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These spots then move toward the poles.

The Economist

Move toward the screen, and things become stranger still.

The New York Times - Arts

"I move toward the free-throw line on a dribble.

The New Yorker

He waited for Brad to move toward the bag.

The New Yorker

Kinesins generally move toward the plus end of the microtubule, and dyneins move toward the minus end.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And while Western companies continue to move toward the East, Chow Tai Fook, the Hong Kong company, shows no desire to move toward the West.

The New York Times

Training the gun on him, she forced him to stand up and move toward the window.

The New York Times - Sports

He added, "I've got to control my pace as I move toward the officials".

The New York Times - Sports

Yet with this show Mr. Etro made the right move toward the real world.

The New York Times

The parents were looking for someone to make the first move toward the hay wagons.

The New Yorker

The waves move toward the shore, and the wind that created them controls their destiny.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move toward the" to clearly indicate a direction or progression, whether physical or metaphorical. For instance, "The company is moving toward the adoption of sustainable practices."

Common error

While "move toward the" is versatile, avoid overusing it in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "advance towards the" or "progress towards the" for a more engaging and sophisticated writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move toward the" primarily functions as a phrasal verb indicating direction or progression. It describes an action taken to approach a specific target or goal. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "move toward the" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that signifies progression or direction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register and is considered grammatically correct. While synonyms like "advance towards the" and "progress towards the" offer stylistic alternatives, being mindful of overuse ensures clarity and sophistication in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance towards the

Replaces "move" with "advance", emphasizing forward movement.

progress towards the

Substitutes "move" with "progress", highlighting gradual development.

head in the direction of

Uses a more descriptive verb phrase to indicate direction.

shift in the direction of

Indicates a change in orientation or focus.

gravitate towards the

Implies a natural tendency to move towards something.

incline towards the

Suggests a leaning or predisposition to move towards something.

tend towards the

Indicates a likelihood of moving towards something.

veer in the direction of

Suggests a change in course to move towards something.

make strides towards the

Highlights significant progress in moving towards something.

develop in the direction of

Emphasizes the process of evolving or growing towards something.

FAQs

What does "move toward the" mean?

The phrase "move toward the" means to advance or progress in the direction of something, either physically or metaphorically. It suggests intentionality and directionality.

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

You can use "move toward the" to describe physical movement, like "The car is moving toward the intersection", or to describe progress toward a goal, like "The project is moving toward the completion phase".

What can I say instead of "move toward the"?

You can use alternatives like "advance towards the", "progress towards the", or "head in the direction of" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "move toward the" and "moving toward the"?

"Move toward the" is often used in a more general or habitual sense, while "moving toward the" (present continuous) emphasizes an ongoing process. For example, "We move toward the future with hope" versus "We are moving toward the deadline quickly".