navigate towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'navigate towards' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when talking about directing a vehicle, vessel, or person in a particular direction. For example, "We had to navigate towards the south in order to reach our destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Over time the worms navigate towards the food and their efficiency of navigation can be quantified by counting the percentage of worms that reach the food in a given time.

Plosone

In tough times, she adds, even if advertisers don't cut back, they "tend to navigate towards tried and tested brands".

The Guardian

Brain scans have revealed the workings of the brain's GPS that underpin our decisions as we navigate towards a destination.

The Guardian

If the recipient agrees, both phones will show the contacts' locations, and you can navigate towards each other using onscreen maps.

The Guardian - Tech

In that time we'll see fierce political fights over new initiatives and cost figures that could substantially alter this document and lock in place the path Obama will navigate towards his re-election in 2012.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even many single-celled organisms are built asymmetrically, such as the pear-shaped ciliate Paramecium, which may depend on its asymmetry to navigate towards the oxygen-richer surface of turbid waters, at least based on modeling.

Current Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Escherichia coli bacteria can move towards, or away from, certain chemicals in their surrounding environment to help them navigate toward favorable conditions.

eLife

We implemented a novel robotic system that incrementally triangulates and navigates towards a speaking target.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

The robot navigated towards and contacted an animated human mouth target in 75 of 80 trials (χ2=20.3, P<0.0001).

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

She is an accomplished actress who navigates towards the melodramatic climax admirably - from social smiles to visceral howls.

The Guardian

This is a key job in retail, taking calls from consumers with different problems, and navigating towards a solution.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "navigate towards" when you want to emphasize the process of finding a path or direction to reach a specific goal or destination, especially when it involves overcoming obstacles or making adjustments along the way.

Common error

Avoid using "navigate towards" when a simpler term like "go to" or "move to" would suffice. "Navigate towards" implies a degree of complexity or challenge in finding the way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "navigate towards" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of directing movement or progress in a specific direction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, emphasizing intentionality and often implying overcoming obstacles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "navigate towards" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the process of directing movement or progress towards a specific point or goal. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently found in science, news, and wiki contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where the act of navigation involves complexity or challenge. Simpler alternatives like "go to" or "move to" may be more appropriate in straightforward movement scenarios. Understanding its nuances ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steer toward

Implies guidance or control in directing movement.

head in the direction of

Focuses on the direction of movement, less about overcoming obstacles.

move in the direction of

Emphasizes the physical act of moving, less about guidance or control.

progress towards

Focuses on forward momentum and the process of reaching a destination.

make headway towards

Highlights progress being made, implying gradual advancement.

make for

A more concise and informal way of saying "go in the direction of."

advance upon

Suggests a more formal or strategic movement, often towards a specific objective.

orient oneself toward

Focuses on adjusting one's position or mindset in relation to a goal.

gravitate toward

Suggests a natural or inevitable pull towards something.

trend toward

Describes a general inclination or shift in a particular direction.

FAQs

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

Use "navigate towards" to describe the act of directing oneself or something else in a specific direction, especially when the path isn't straightforward. For example, "The ship had to /s/navigate+towards the harbor through dense fog".

What are some alternatives to "navigate towards"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "head in the direction of", "steer toward", or "progress towards".

Is it better to use "navigate to" or "navigate towards"?

"Navigate to" implies reaching a specific destination, while "navigate towards" suggests moving in the general direction without necessarily arriving at a precise point. The choice depends on whether arrival at a specific point is guaranteed or even intended.

Can "navigate towards" be used in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe pursuing a goal or objective. For example, "The company is trying to /s/navigate+towards a more sustainable business model".