shown towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shown towards" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a direction or inclination towards something, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The evidence shown towards the conclusion was compelling."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Furthermore, we undermine the solidarity that other nations have shown towards our countries.

The Guardian

He instinctively grasps the resentment shown towards him by Anne's partner, Pierre.

The Guardian

The discontent shown towards Strachan appeared, understandably, amid that first game.

The Guardian - Sport

Contrast this with disrespect shown towards students by our coalition politicians.

The Guardian

A large element of the hostility is simply down to the hypocrisy shown towards Israel.

The Guardian

How sad that the same concern could not have been shown towards the people who used to live there.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, Brailsford admitted that the negativity shown towards Team Sky could make it more difficult to claim victory again.

The Guardian - Sport

They are shown towards the end of the 17-minute clip, which predominantly focuses on the alleged Paris attackers.

The Guardian

Forty six-year-old Culp is a crusader against prejudice shown towards those who have had it all taken away.

The Guardian

But what a remarkable tale of the cavalier disregard shown towards public money – whenever that money is spent by anything other than a public authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, said: "The generosity and support Guardian readers have shown towards this appeal for mental health charities is truly remarkable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions or attitudes directed at someone, use more precise verbs like "displayed", "extended", or "directed at" instead of the ambiguous phrase "shown towards".

Common error

Avoid using "shown towards" when you intend to convey a specific action or attitude. This phrase lacks clarity and can confuse readers. Instead, choose verbs that clearly indicate the nature of the interaction, such as "expressed to" or "demonstrated to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shown towards" functions as a passive construction indicating an action or attitude directed at a specific target. Ludwig AI suggests its usage isn't ideal and should be improved with more specific verbs. The provided examples illustrate its common, albeit grammatically questionable, use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "shown towards" appears frequently across various sources like The Guardian and BBC, it's grammatically weak and lacks precision. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's advisable to replace it with more specific verbs such as "demonstrated to", "displayed toward", or "directed at" to enhance clarity and grammatical correctness. Although prevalent in news and media, aiming for more precise language will elevate the quality of your writing, especially in formal or academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrated to

This alternative emphasizes the act of demonstrating something, often an attitude or characteristic, to someone or something.

displayed toward

Focuses on outward displays of behavior or emotion, emphasizing the visible aspect of the interaction.

expressed to

Highlights the communication of feelings, thoughts, or opinions directed to someone.

extended to

Implies offering something—such as help, kindness, or consideration—to a specific recipient.

directed at

Emphasizes that something—an action, comment, or intention—is aimed or targeted at a particular subject.

given to

Highlights the act of providing something, such as attention, resources, or support, to someone.

felt for

Indicates an emotion or sentiment experienced concerning someone or something, particularly compassion or sympathy.

manifested in

Emphasizes how something abstract becomes visible or concrete in relation to a subject.

accorded to

Highlights the giving of status, respect, or treatment, often in a formal or official context, to someone.

exhibited toward

Focuses on showing a particular quality or behavior in one's dealings with a subject.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "shown towards"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "demonstrated to", "displayed toward", or "directed at". These options often provide more clarity and precision.

Is "shown towards" grammatically correct?

While frequently used, "shown towards" is often considered grammatically weak. It's better to use more specific verbs that clearly indicate the type of action or attitude being conveyed.

How can I improve my writing by avoiding "shown towards"?

Focus on selecting verbs that accurately describe the interaction or attitude. For example, instead of "the respect shown towards the deceased", consider "the respect accorded to the deceased".

What is the difference between "shown towards" and "directed at"?

"Directed at" implies a clear target or aim, while "shown towards" is more general. Using "directed at" can make your writing more focused and precise.