moved in the direction of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moved in the direction of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or metaphorical movement towards a specific goal or location. Example: "The team moved in the direction of the finish line, determined to complete the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now both Mr. Gore and Mr. Bush have moved in the direction of more tax breaks.

The New York Times

Moved in the direction of the Chanel and Christian Dior boutiques on 57th Street.

The New York Times - Style

And so I gradually moved in the direction of what I can only call a secular spirituality.

The New York Times - Magazine

Before the army moved in the direction of India, there were two more incidents that widened the gap between Alexander's conduct and traditional Macedonian attitudes.

Britannica

I've experienced many relapses over the years, but over time they've diminished in length and power, and my life has moved in the direction of peace.

The Guardian - Opinion

"At the same time, in the last year and a half we've substantially moved in the direction of becoming a media company".

The New York Times - Tech

"After years of tough-on-crime legislation, this is one of the few times we've moved in the direction of mercy," Assemblyman Stringer said.

The New York Times

After the war, Hartmann consistently moved in the direction of universality, removing texts and titles to produce apparently absolute, or nonprogrammatic, music.

The New York Times - Arts

As pop has moved in the direction of EDM and hip-hop, country music has filled the traditional pop void with stars like Sam Hunt and Lady Antebellum.

The Guardian

For the most part she has moved in the direction of romanticism and greater structure, and she seems to keep the stations of that journey within herself.

The New York Times - Books

Following a serious injury that kept him from pursuing a career in professional music, his interests and passions moved in the direction of professional sports.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "moved in the direction of", ensure that the context clearly indicates both the initial state and the intended outcome or target.

Common error

Avoid using "moved in the direction of" when a simpler directional verb like "went towards" or "headed to" would suffice. The phrase is more appropriate for abstract or complex movements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moved in the direction of" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a change of course or progression toward a specific goal, idea, or physical location. This phrase suggests a process rather than an immediate arrival.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "moved in the direction of" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb phrase used to describe a shift or progression toward a particular goal or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It finds frequent application in news, encyclopedia articles, and scientific writing, lending itself well to formal and neutral contexts. When considering alternative phrasing, options like "headed towards" or "progressed toward" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When writing, ensure that the context clearly establishes the starting point and target, and be mindful of avoiding overuse in simple directional descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

headed towards

Implies a more direct and intentional movement.

progressed toward

Suggests a gradual and steady advancement.

shifted toward

Emphasizes a change in position or focus.

tended toward

Indicates a predisposition or inclination.

gravitated toward

Implies a natural attraction or pull.

inclined toward

Suggests a leaning or preference.

developed toward

Highlights a process of growth or evolution.

evolved toward

Similar to 'developed toward' but suggests a more significant transformation.

advanced toward

Implies a forward movement, often in a strategic manner.

made strides toward

Highlights significant progress or effort.

FAQs

How can I use "moved in the direction of" in a sentence?

This phrase indicates a shift or progression toward a particular goal or outcome. For example, "The company moved in the direction of sustainable practices" shows a shift towards environmentally friendly operations.

What are some alternatives to "moved in the direction of"?

Alternatives include "headed towards", "progressed toward", or "shifted toward", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "move in the direction of" or "moved in the direction of"?

The correct tense depends on the context. Use "move" for present or future actions, and "moved" for past actions. For instance, "The project will move in the direction of completion next month" versus "The project moved in the direction of completion last month".

What's the difference between "moved in the direction of" and "tended towards"?

"Moved in the direction of" suggests a deliberate action or change, while "tended towards" implies a natural inclination or predisposition. For example, "The polls moved in the direction of Obama" indicates a shift in voter preference after an event, whereas "He tended towards conservatism" suggests an inherent political leaning.