moves toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moves toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a direction or progression towards a particular goal, location, or state. Example: "The company moves toward greater sustainability by implementing eco-friendly practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's what scuppers moves toward gender equality.

The New York Times

The ball moves toward his backhand.

The New Yorker

Moves toward reconciliation are a delicate issue for both sides.

The New York Times

The 1970s saw the first moves toward "improved conventional munitions".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moves toward an international code began in 1828 in Denmark.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There were no moves toward mediation by either side.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To religious radicals, all such reforms seemed moves toward popery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Brown moves toward Wilson Brown moved west toward Wilson.

Independent

She moves toward the far side of the second ridge.

The New Yorker

The chemical weapons resolution moves toward that goal.

The New York Times

The ascent now moves toward an emotional climax.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moves toward" to describe tangible or intangible progress. For example: "The company moves toward sustainability" or "The discussion moves toward a resolution".

Common error

Avoid using "moves toward" with static or unchanging concepts. For instance, instead of saying "the statue moves toward beauty", focus on actions or processes that lead to beauty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moves toward" functions as a verb phrase indicating direction or progression. It connects a subject with an action that is oriented towards a specific goal or destination. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moves toward" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe progression, direction, or advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, ranging from scientific publications to news articles. While alternatives like "advances towards" or "progresses towards" offer similar meanings, "moves toward" provides a balanced and widely acceptable expression. Pay attention to the subject-verb agreement to ensure proper usage. Use it to describe progress but avoiding static situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advances towards

Suggests a forward movement or progression in a more formal tone.

progresses towards

Implies gradual development or improvement in a specified direction.

heads in the direction of

Emphasizes the direction of travel or effort.

tends toward

Indicates a leaning or inclination in a particular direction.

gravitates toward

Suggests a natural attraction or pull toward something.

aspires to

Focuses on the goal or ambition that is being pursued.

drifts toward

Implies a slow or gradual shift in direction.

marches toward

Suggests determined and steady progress.

works towards

Highlights the effort and action taken to achieve a goal.

approaches

Implies becoming closer to a destination or goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "moves toward" to describe the direction or progression of something, such as "The project "moves toward" completion" or "The team "moves toward" a solution".

What are some alternatives to "moves toward"?

Some alternatives to "moves toward" include "advances towards", "progresses towards", or "heads in the direction of", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "move towards" instead of "moves toward"?

Yes, "move towards" is also correct, but the choice depends on the subject. Use "move towards" for plural subjects (e.g., "They move towards the exit") and "moves toward" for singular subjects (e.g., "He moves toward the door").

What is the difference between "moves toward" and "approaches"?

"Approaches" implies getting closer to a specific point or state, while "moves toward" suggests a general direction or trend. For example, "The deadline approaches" focuses on the time getting closer, while "The company "moves toward" sustainability" indicates a broader effort.