pointed towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"pointed towards" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It means to be aiming for a particular goal or destination. For example, "She had a plan that was pointed towards success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The rest are pointed towards relevant advice.

The Guardian

Everything pointed towards PPD as the likely aggressor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pistorius says: He had his gun pointed towards the toilet door.

Independent

Yet the bulk of recent data has pointed towards a gloomy outlook.

The New York Times

They are piled into the boat by the traffickers and pointed towards the Greek coastline.

The Guardian

After all, other indicators pointed towards a modest improvement in the labour market.

The Economist

"No, no," he waved, and then pointed towards the next district, "they read Dhar Patrika".

The New York Times

One of the signs pointed towards the village nearest to the campsite.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Trawling for business, she was routinely pointed towards Latin America, where she travelled frequently.

The Guardian

At the police station she wasn't asked where her abuser lived or pointed towards a hospital.

The Guardian

Results pointed towards recent evolution of 'Bison type' genotype.

Microbiological Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pointed towards", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what is being directed or oriented towards. For example, "The evidence pointed towards a specific suspect."

Common error

Avoid using "pointed towards" in overly abstract or vague contexts where a more precise verb might be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The discussion pointed towards solutions", consider using "The discussion suggested solutions."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pointed towards" functions primarily as a verb phrase often used to indicate direction, indication, or tendency. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates an intention to achieve a particular goal or destination. It's used to show where something is heading or what it suggests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

42%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pointed towards" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate direction, tendency, or focus. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. Its frequency across diverse sources, from news media to scientific publications, underscores its broad applicability. Common contexts include describing physical direction, suggesting conclusions based on evidence, and indicating likely outcomes. Related phrases such as "directed toward" and "geared toward" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression depending on the context. When writing with "pointed towards", ensure the subject and direction are clear to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directed toward

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes a more deliberate act of directing.

geared toward

Implies a design or adaptation for a specific purpose or direction.

tended toward

Suggests a natural inclination or leaning in a particular direction.

inclined toward

Indicates a predisposition or preference for a certain direction or outcome.

aimed at

Focuses on the target or goal being aimed for.

oriented toward

Highlights the alignment or positioning in relation to something.

gravitated toward

Implies a natural attraction or movement toward something.

headed for

Indicates a course or trajectory toward a specific destination.

moved toward

Suggests progression or advancement in a particular direction.

contributed to

Focuses on the contribution to an event, fact or outcome

FAQs

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

Use "pointed towards" to indicate direction, tendency, or focus. For example, "The arrow "pointed towards" the treasure" or "All evidence "pointed towards" his guilt".

What can I say instead of "pointed towards"?

You can use alternatives like "directed toward", "geared toward", or "aimed at" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "pointing to" instead of "pointed towards"?

While both can indicate direction, "pointing to" often suggests direct evidence or immediate relevance, while ""pointed towards"" can imply a broader trend or indirect indication. For example, "The data is pointing to a downward trend".

What's the difference between "oriented toward" and "pointed towards"?

"Oriented toward" typically describes a design or predisposition, while ""pointed towards"" describes something indicating a specific direction or outcome. For example, "The company is oriented toward customer satisfaction" vs. "The signs "pointed towards" the exit".