propel toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"propel toward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is moving with speed or force toward something. Example sentence: The wind propelled the boat toward the distant shore.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Should a track athlete in a wheelchair be allowed to use arm strength rather than leg muscles to propel toward the finish line?

The New York Times - Sports

More often, the magazine has used photographers based in Texas, including several, like Mr. Carter and Geof Kern, whom Texas Monthly helped propel toward national standing, as it did many an editor and writer.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Its action takes place over a few weeks, and propels toward one end: killing Anne Boleyn.

The New Yorker

Dr. Plastrik was born in New York City and was propelled toward political radicalism by the Depression.

The New York Times

Niger is only one of many countries that are propelled toward catastrophe by uncontrolled population growth.

The New York Times

We may know the facts, but not the heart bent by and propelled toward destruction.

The New Yorker

After a brief period of uncertainty, Western Europe was decisively propelled toward market capitalism and Eastern Europe toward state socialism.

The New York Times - Books

"The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving" weaves back and forth in time, propelling toward Ben's uncertain future as well as reversing into his past.

The New York Times - Books

In this eye-opening series, Boogaard was described by family and friends and colleagues as a bewildered soul who was propelled toward the limelight by his huge size.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Schreiber is a young congressman propelled toward the vice presidency by his monstrous mother, played with ice-chomping glee by Ms. Streep.

The New York Times

Indonesian investigators described the sounds emanating from the cockpit as the flight crew fought to take control of a plane that seemed almost magnetically propelled toward earth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "propel toward" to convey a sense of forceful or rapid movement, either literally or figuratively. Ensure the context aligns with the intensity implied by the word "propel".

Common error

Avoid using "propel toward" in passive voice constructions (e.g., "was propelled toward") excessively. Active voice often provides a stronger and more direct impact. Instead of "The company was propelled toward bankruptcy by mismanagement", consider "Mismanagement propelled the company toward bankruptcy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propel toward" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of driving or pushing something forward in a specific direction. It expresses a sense of forceful or rapid movement. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "propel toward" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe forceful movement in a specific direction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceptionally common, it appears in diverse contexts like news and science. To enhance writing, using it in active voice is generally preferred. Alternatives like "drive towards" or "push towards" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of emphasis. Knowing these nuances helps writers choose the most precise wording to effectively convey their intended message. Although considered rare, understanding its appropriate usage contributes to refining writing skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drive towards

Focuses more on continuous effort or guidance during the movement.

push towards

Emphasizes applying force to initiate or maintain movement.

steer towards

Implies directing or guiding something in a specific direction.

nudge toward

Suggests a gentle encouragement or subtle influence on direction.

impel towards

Indicates a forceful or compelling motivation behind the movement.

catapult towards

Implies a sudden and forceful launch in a specific direction.

guide in direction of

Emphasizes the act of leading or directing towards a specific location.

incentivize movement to

Focuses on providing a reason or motivation for movement towards something.

encourage progression to

Highlights the act of motivating someone to advance toward a certain point.

facilitate transition to

Suggests making it easier for someone or something to move towards a new state or location.

FAQs

How can I use "propel toward" in a sentence?

Use "propel toward" to describe a forceful movement in a specific direction, whether literal or figurative. For example, "The wind "propelled the boat toward" the shore" or "The new strategy "propelled the company toward" greater success".

What are some alternatives to "propel toward"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "drive towards", "push towards", or "steer towards". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "propel toward" and "move toward"?

"Propel toward" implies a forceful or rapid movement, while "move toward" suggests a more general and less forceful movement. The choice depends on the intensity of the movement you want to describe.

Can "propel toward" be used in a figurative sense?

Yes, "propel toward" can be used figuratively to describe the advancement or progress towards a goal or outcome. For instance, "His hard work "propelled him toward" success".