starts toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"starts toward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of beginning to move towards something. For example, you could say "The family started toward the beach, eager for a day of fun in the sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

He starts toward the door.

The New York Times - Sports

He starts toward the backcourt again to receive a pass like the first one.

The New Yorker

[He starts toward the car and gently caresses its paint.] I don't know what to say.

The New York Times

When he starts toward home, he brings the ball out of his glove momentarily, pounds it back in, then brings it out again before throwing.

The New York Times

Both approaches would be good starts toward making the rich pay a fairer share and reduce the mounting cuts to government programs that benefit the less fortunate.

The New York Times

But beginning in 1998, the Assembly and Senate have moved, in fits and starts, toward passing budgets with the governor playing a less direct role.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He started toward Graham.

The New Yorker

The men started toward the ministers.

The New York Times

That would be a great start toward strategic trust.

The New York Times

We turned around and started toward the town.

The New Yorker

Two cakes would be a start toward healing, toward normalcy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starts toward" to clearly indicate the initiation of movement, especially when the endpoint is significant or not immediately reached. For instance, "The negotiations started toward a resolution, but challenges remain."

Common error

While correct, "starts toward" can sound less polished in formal contexts. Opt for stronger verbs like "advances", "proceeds", or more descriptive phrases like "begins to move" to enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starts toward" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of movement in a specific direction. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it describes the beginning of an action that leads to a particular destination or goal.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "starts toward" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that means to begin moving in the direction of something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, although it can be considered less formal. When it comes to selecting alternatives, "begins to move towards" offers a slightly more descriptive approach, whilst "is heading toward" is a more continuous and ongoing form of directional movement. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media, offering writers a versatile option for describing directional movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begins to move towards

Replaces "starts" with "begins to move", offering a more descriptive alternative.

is heading toward

Uses a continuous tense to describe the ongoing direction of travel.

commences movement toward

Substitutes "starts" with the more formal "commences movement", increasing formality.

initiates motion toward

Replaces "starts" with the more technical "initiates motion", suitable for scientific or technical contexts.

sets off in the direction of

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey the same meaning, implying a journey or departure.

makes a move toward

Focuses on the action of making a move, emphasizing intent or potential action.

advances in the direction of

Implies a more deliberate and sustained movement than "starts toward".

proceeds in the direction of

Conveys a sense of order and continuation in the movement.

takes the first step toward

Emphasizes the initial action of moving towards a goal or destination.

gestures in the direction of moving

Implies a small, minimal first action towards moving

FAQs

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

You can use "starts toward" to describe the beginning of movement in a specific direction. For example, "The hiker started toward the summit at dawn."

What are some alternatives to "starts toward"?

Alternatives include "begins to move towards", "is heading toward", or "makes a move toward", depending on the desired nuance.

Is there a difference between "starts toward" and "started toward"?

"Starts toward" indicates a present or habitual action, while "started toward" refers to a past action. For example, "He starts toward the door whenever the phone rings" vs. "He started toward the door when he heard the news."

When is it better to use "begins to move towards" instead of "starts toward"?

While very similar, "begins to move towards" may be preferable in formal writing where a more elaborate or descriptive phrase is desired. "Starts toward" is generally suitable for less formal contexts.