proceeding towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"proceeding towards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action someone is taking in going towards a particular place. For example: "The cat was proceeding towards the garden to see if there was any fresh grass to nibble on."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Everything is proceeding towards the match being played as scheduled on Tuesday".

The Guardian - Sport

Ipso, meanwhile, is proceeding towards a hoped-for 1 May start.

The Guardian

Design of the ITER plasma control system is proceeding towards its next – preliminary design – stage.

Fusion Engineering and Design

This fits France's sense of secular, revolutionary History, carrying the country forward, however fitfully, like an "endless cortege proceeding towards the light", in the words of Jules Ferry, a 19th-century educationalist.

The Economist

This is how his 1944 Silver Star citation recounts his bravery: "On 16 November, while proceeding towards the front at night, Sergeant Rhodes's motorized patrol was advanced upon near a village by a lone enemy soldier.

The New York Times

"The space in front of the houses is divided by a wire fence in the centre," he explains, "so that a stranger entering from the street, and proceeding towards either house, sees across the whole width of the front garden; and both the houses and gardens appear to him to be one, and to be occupied by the same family".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The mayor's flagship cycle superhighways will proceed towards completion, even if amended or slowed.

The Guardian

So far, so clear: Mr Obama may attack if we proceed towards nuclear weapons.

The Economist

Mr Cowen has little choice but to proceed towards the budget.

The Economist

At the mastaba G 4140 W of G 4240 the work proceeds towards the north.

Harvard University

Once filled, they then proceed towards Europe with a couple of low-level, expendable smugglers to keep the engine going.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proceeding towards", ensure the context clearly indicates a forward movement or development. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where progress is evident and intentional.

Common error

Refrain from using "proceeding towards" in situations lacking dynamic progress. Static conditions or completed actions require alternative phrases that reflect stability or completion, rather than ongoing movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proceeding towards" functions primarily as a dynamic indicator of movement or progression. It suggests an ongoing action with a clear direction or goal. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "proceeding towards" accurately describes an ongoing movement or progression in a specific direction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, notably in science, news media, and formal business settings. While similar phrases like "advancing toward" or "progressing toward" offer subtle variations in emphasis, "proceeding towards" stands out for its formal and deliberate tone. Use this phrase to clearly and professionally convey a sense of active development or direction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advancing toward

Focuses more on physical movement or forward progress.

progressing toward

Highlights gradual development and forward motion.

moving in the direction of

Emphasizes the direction of travel or action.

heading in the direction of

Indicates an intended course or path.

working toward

Focuses on effort exerted to reach a goal or outcome.

gearing up for

Implies preparation and readiness for an upcoming event or task.

developing into

Implies a transformation or evolution into a new state or form.

evolving toward

Suggests a gradual change or refinement over time.

making headway toward

Emphasizes progress despite challenges or obstacles.

gravitating toward

Implies a natural attraction or tendency to move in a particular direction.

FAQs

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

Use "proceeding towards" to describe movement or progress in a specific direction, like "The project is "proceeding towards" completion" or "The hikers were "proceeding towards" the summit".

What are some alternatives to "proceeding towards"?

Alternatives include "advancing toward", "progressing toward", or "heading in the direction of", each subtly changing the emphasis on movement or intention.

Is it correct to say "proceeding to" instead of "proceeding towards"?

"Proceeding to" often implies a direct transition to a new stage or location, while "proceeding towards" suggests movement in the general direction without necessarily reaching a specific endpoint. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a transition or ongoing movement.

What's the difference between "moving towards" and "proceeding towards"?

"Moving towards" is a more general term for indicating direction, while "proceeding towards" suggests a more formal or deliberate action. Use "proceeding towards" when the action involves a planned or structured progression.