northward of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "northward of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate a direction or location that is to the north of a specific point. For example, "The town lies northward of the river." Alternative expressions include "to the north of" and "north of."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The present-day Charente is located about 50 km northward of the well-known Gironde estuary.

Marine Geology

Northward of Guadalupe they split into two arches of distinct origins.

Nature

The no-hit streak is more remarkable for the East coast (northward of Florida).

The New York Times

On the Northwest Coast, however, particularly northward of the Columbia River, children were instructed formally.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A friend reports the passage northward of a chevron-shaped skein of geese, numbering upwards of sixty.

The Guardian

However, most of the northern hemisphere cold-season precipitation is measured at latitudes northward of 70°N.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The Nabesna Glacier, one of the continent's longest, extends northward out of the Wrangell Mountains.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Paleolatitudes derived from the sedimentary sequence support the model of northward movement of the plate since the Eocene.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Along the Catalan coast, the species spread from just one location in 1992 to 43 by 2010, a rate of northward expansion of 22 km per year [ 32].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

This suggests periodic intensification of the northward inflow of the Tsushima Current.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Born on May 26 , 1914 Mr. Manning left Jacksonville, Fla., with his mother three years later as part of the great northward migration of Southern blacks.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing locations or movements, use "northward of" to provide a clear indication of direction relative to a specific point. It is particularly useful in formal writing or geographical descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "northward of" when a simpler term like "north of" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "northward of" is as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or verbs to indicate a location or direction relative to a specific point. It functions similarly to other directional prepositions such as "eastward of" or "southward of". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "northward of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a direction or location to the north of a specified point. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal contexts, particularly in science, news, and academia. While synonyms exist, "northward of" offers a specific and relatively formal tone for geographical descriptions. When using "northward of", ensure that it fits the overall tone and register of your writing, avoiding overuse in informal settings. The phrase is very common across a range of authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the north of

Uses a more common and straightforward prepositional phrase structure.

north of

A shorter and more direct way to express the same geographical relationship.

northwards from

Similar to "northward of" but uses a different adverbial form.

in a northerly direction from

Emphasizes the direction and starting point.

situated to the north of

Highlights the location's position in relation to another point.

lying north of

Describes a location's placement in a more static or geographical sense.

on the northern side of

Focuses on the side or aspect of a geographical feature.

towards the north from

Suggests movement or orientation in a northerly direction.

at a latitude north of

Specifies the position in terms of latitude.

up north from

An informal way to indicate a location further north.

FAQs

What does "northward of" mean?

The phrase "northward of" means in a direction or location that is to the north of something. It indicates a position that is further north than a specified point or area.

How can I use "northward of" in a sentence?

You can use "northward of" to describe the location of a place or the direction of movement. For example, "The research station is located just "north of" the river" or "The storm is moving "north of" the city".

What are some alternatives to "northward of"?

Some alternatives to "northward of" include "to the north of", "north of", or "in a northerly direction from". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "northward of" formal or informal?

"Northward of" is generally considered more formal than simpler alternatives like "north of". While grammatically correct, it is often used in technical, geographical, or historical contexts. For everyday conversation, "north of" is usually sufficient.