moves towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moves towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or metaphorical action of approaching a target, goal, or direction. Example: "The project moves towards completion as the team works diligently to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The story moves towards its fatalistic conclusion.

Independent

Moves towards an integrated economic policy framework.

The Guardian

It dislikes moves towards fiscal union to save the euro.

The Economist

Naser moves towards us, and takes out his smartphone.

Independent

She moves towards him, then changes her mind.

Independent

The agreement includes moves towards greater security co-operation.

The Economist

She joins the usual painful classes, and moves towards fluency.

The Guardian - Books

These are moves towards a return to 19th century serfdom.

The Guardian

They were bound to try to disrupt moves towards any compromise settlement.

The Economist

But the slightest sign of hasty moves towards the exit will only precipitate more violence.

The Economist

There should also be more rapid moves towards a banking union and the issuing of eurobonds.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "moves towards", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is moving, and what the destination or target is.

Common error

Ensure that the target or direction in which something "moves towards" is clearly defined. Avoid ambiguous statements like "The project moves towards success" without specifying how success is being measured or achieved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moves towards" functions as a dynamic verb phrase, indicating action or progression in a specific direction. Ludwig AI exemplifies this with sentences describing progress toward goals or shifts in policy, such as "As Greece moves towards more prosperous times…" or "…moves towards a ceasefire…"

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moves towards" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe progression, direction, or inclination toward a specific goal or state. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. Related phrases include "advances toward" and "progresses toward", while common errors involve vague destinations. To ensure clarity, specify the target or direction. Overall, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of ongoing action or developing trends in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaches

Indicates a coming nearer in distance or time.

advances toward

Focuses on the forward movement and progress being made.

progresses toward

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the advancement.

gravitates to

Suggests a natural attraction or pull toward something.

inclines toward

Implies a leaning or tendency in a particular direction.

heads in the direction of

Emphasizes the direction or route being taken.

is oriented towards

Stresses the alignment or focus on a specific point.

tends to

Highlights a predictable or habitual behavior.

aspires to

Focuses on a goal or ambition that one aims to achieve.

drifts toward

Indicates a slow, gradual movement without a specific destination.

FAQs

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

Use "moves towards" to indicate progression or a shift in direction. For example, "The country "moves towards" renewable energy sources" shows a change in energy policy.

What are some alternatives to "moves towards"?

You can use alternatives like "advances toward", "progresses toward", or "approaches" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "moves towards" or "move towards"?

"Moves towards" is used when the subject is singular, while "move towards" is used when the subject is plural. For example, "The company moves towards a new strategy," but "Companies move towards new strategies."

What's the difference between "moves towards" and "shifts towards"?

"Moves towards" suggests a gradual progression, while "shifts towards" implies a more abrupt or noticeable change in direction. The intensity and speed of change are different.