scuttling to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scuttling to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone moving quickly or hurriedly towards a destination, often in a somewhat frantic or nervous manner. Example: "The children were scuttling to the playground as soon as the bell rang."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The move did send the league's secretary-general, Amr Moussa, scuttling to Tripoli to coax the Libyans back.

The Economist

The roaches danced in the way only roaches know how: scuttling to and fro, holding still, and scuttling again.

The New Yorker

Shu-Hsuan Chi and Tzu-Chen Wu, both in their 60s, are scuttling to a tiger-feeding session.

The Guardian

On his first entrance, Dr. Givings, scuttling to his inner sanctum, walks past his wife without so much as a glance in her direction.

The New Yorker

Studies have shown that, in general, a $10 difference in monthly premiums will send 26% of workers scuttling to the better option as defined by their employer.

The Economist

Second, longtime moviegoers could be sent scuttling to the archives in their overstocked brains, hoping to identify the scrap in question before the next one blew along.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Virginia delegation seated and loyalty pledge scuttled to promote harmony.

The New Yorker

These are the people who scuttled to the gallows to watch a thief hanged.

Independent

Do you avert your eyes from the mirror as you scuttle to your pyjamas?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He scuttled to the instrument, head bowed, then plunged in, pawing the keys.

The New York Times - Arts

The gun-running ship was scuttled to avoid capture and Conrad ran into financial difficulties.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scuttling to" to vividly describe quick, somewhat furtive movement towards a specific destination, often driven by urgency or a desire to avoid attention.

Common error

Avoid using "scuttling to" in highly formal writing, as it can sound too informal or comical. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "rushing to" or "proceeding to" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scuttling to" functions as a dynamic descriptor, typically used to describe a subject's hurried or somewhat secretive movement towards a destination. Ludwig examples showcase this in contexts ranging from people rushing to events to animals seeking shelter.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science & Research

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scuttling to" is a useful phrase for describing quick and somewhat furtive movement towards a destination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While it's most commonly found in news and media sources, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in highly formal situations. Consider alternatives such as "rushing to" or "hurrying to" for a more neutral tone. Remember that while accurate, the subtle implication of "scuttling" may not always be adequate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rushing to

Emphasizes the speed and urgency of the movement, often implying less stealth or nervousness.

hurrying to

Similar to rushing, but can also suggest a need to be on time or avoid delay.

scrambling to

Implies a more disorganized or desperate attempt to reach a destination.

darting to

Suggests a quick, sudden movement, often to avoid being seen.

sprinting to

Highlights the speed and effort involved in moving towards a place.

hustling to

Indicates energetic and busy movement, often in a professional or urban setting.

making haste to

A more formal way of saying hurrying, often used in literary or historical contexts.

making one's way to

A neutral way of simply stating someone is going somewhere

heading towards

Less focused in describing the speed of movement

on one's way to

Similar to "heading towards" but more neutral

FAQs

What does "scuttling to" mean?

The phrase "scuttling to" describes moving quickly and often secretively or nervously toward a specific location. It suggests a hurried or furtive manner of movement.

What can I say instead of "scuttling to"?

You can use alternatives like "rushing to", "hurrying to", or "darting to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "scuttling to" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "scuttling to" may be too informal for highly formal writing. Consider using more neutral phrases like "proceeding to" or "moving towards" in such contexts.

How does "scuttling to" differ from "rushing to"?

"Scuttling to" implies a more furtive or nervous movement, whereas "rushing to" simply indicates speed and urgency without necessarily suggesting secrecy or anxiety.