moved directly towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moved directly towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or metaphorical movement in a specific direction without deviation. Example: "The bird moved directly towards the nest, eager to return home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The storm then moved directly towards Wallingford.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As the curtain of bubbles cleared from in front of my mask, I opened my eyes to discover a dugong was moving directly towards me.

The Guardian - Opinion

If it were moving directly towards it, how long would it take to reach the nearby star Alpha Centauri, which is about 4.4 light years away?

The New York Times

If it were moving directly towards it, how long would it take to reach the nearby star Alpha Centauri, which is about 4.4 light years away? 2. A novel about the Sputnik era, "Rocket Boys," is set in West Virginia and written by Homer Hickam, Jr.

The New York Times

"If we did move directly towards the comet then 67P wouldn't move against the star background.

BBC

"One thing you should appreciate about how we do this - we don't move directly towards the comet," explained Morley.

BBC

Although London was his goal, Henry did not move directly towards the city.

Wikipedia

We represent the pursuit of prey by plotting trajectories based on vectors representing a predator moving directly towards the prey at a speed greater than that of the prey.

eLife

Given the similar mechanism of action and the proven clinical and regulatory success of belimumab, it was decided to skip phase II trials and move directly towards phase III trials in SLE (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01196091, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01205438) [ 171].

Arthritis Research and Therapy

To simulate organelle movements we assumed random motion for phagophores and autolysosomes, while autophagosomes and lysosomes move directly towards or directly away from the nucleus to mimic their active transport along the cytoskeleton, with a speed that is independent of its size [ 30].

Cell Communication and Signaling

The wood mice were also seen to move directly towards a disc when, following a 'false alarm', they had dashed for cover – in this case, a combination of directed movements and scanning gave the clear impression that they used the discs to find rapidly the place from which they had been disturbed.

BMC Ecology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to highlight the absence of deviation or intermediaries, "moved directly towards" emphasizes a straight path and a single, focused action.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "moved directly towards" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "went straight to" or "headed for" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moved directly towards" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of progressing in a specific direction. Ludwig confirms it is correct and usable in written English. It combines a verb of motion with an adverb of direction to specify the nature of the movement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moved directly towards" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe intentional and focused movement. As stated by Ludwig, it describes physical motion and abstract advancements. It is commonly found in news, science, and wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability. While appropriate for formal contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual settings. When using this phrase, ensure you are emphasizing a clear, unobstructed path towards a specific destination or goal. This phrase's directness makes it suitable for situations where precision and lack of deviation are important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moved in a direct line to

Highlights the geometrical aspect of the movement.

approached directly

Focuses on the act of getting closer without intermediaries.

headed straight for

Emphasizes the destination being the primary focus.

advanced directly to

Implies a more formal and deliberate movement.

progressed immediately to

Focuses on the chronological aspect of the movement.

proceeded undeviatingly toward

Highlights the lack of deviation in the movement, more formal.

made a beeline for

Suggests a rapid and direct movement toward a specific point.

steered a course towards

Implies navigation and direction control.

converged straight upon

Suggests multiple elements joining a trajectory.

aimed without deviation towards

Emphasizes precision and a lack of veering.

FAQs

What does "moved directly towards" mean?

It means to have proceeded in a straight line or path towards a specific location or goal, without deviation or intermediaries.

Are there simpler alternatives to "moved directly towards"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "headed straight for", "went straight to", or "approached directly".

Is "moved directly towards" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, it is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize a clear and undeviating path or action.

How does "moved directly towards" differ from "moved towards"?

"Moved towards" implies a general direction, while "moved directly towards" emphasizes a straight and focused path without any detours or deviations.