steer them toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steer them toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to guide or direct someone towards a particular option, idea, or course of action. Example: "As a mentor, my goal is to steer them toward making informed decisions about their careers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

They each take stolen cars and steer them toward a cliff at high speed.

The New York Times

Though agents tried to steer them toward condominiums, Mr. White preferred no shared walls.

The New York Times

Pilots steer them toward a target, release the submarine's warhead and ride the craft away, often killing themselves in the process.

The New York Times

They decide what phones subscribers can use and then steer them toward ring tones, television shows and other products they can buy.

The New York Times - Tech

EVER since, these advisers say, she has helped steer them toward opportunities and away from pitfalls they might not have seen.

The New York Times

"To the extent that parents are at all concerned about this, Fritz is going to steer them toward Lego and Playmobil".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

In both cases, Chinese officials proposed buying large tracts of land before local officials steered them toward production agreements.

The New York Times

It's something essential that burns inside, even when all of society steers them toward the truck aisle.

Independent

"Early on they formed a relationship with Richard Davis, then the director of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, who steered them toward modernism".

The New York Times - Arts

He advises buyers' agents to disclose such incentives to their clients, lest they later be accused of having steered them toward a particular property.

The New York Times

Rosen steered them toward creating self-contained boutiques — or "shop-in-shops" — in department stores across the Middle East and Asia; he also got them to open their first store on Madison Avenue.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steer them toward", ensure the direction or goal is clear and beneficial for the individuals being guided.

Common error

Avoid using "steer them toward" when the context requires a stronger directive verb. This phrase implies guidance, not forceful command.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "steer them toward" functions as a directive, indicating guidance or influence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it suggests a deliberate effort to guide individuals towards a specific path, option, or idea.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steer them toward" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrasal verb that means to guide or direct someone towards a specific path or option. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s prevalent in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it implies a level of influence, it’s crucial to ensure the context aligns with guidance rather than coercion. Alternative phrases include "guide them to" and "direct them to". When using this phrase, ensure the intended direction is clear and beneficial. Remember to avoid using it when stronger directive verbs are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guide them to

Implies providing direction or leading someone towards a specific point or goal.

direct them to

Suggests giving instructions or commands to move individuals in a particular direction.

lead them towards

Focuses on taking the initiative to show someone the path or way.

channel them to

Emphasizes the act of redirecting or focusing individuals' efforts or resources.

point them to

Involves indicating or highlighting a specific resource, location, or option.

influence them toward

Highlights the act of subtly persuading individuals to take a specific course of action.

prompt them to

Implies urging or encouraging someone to take a certain action.

encourage them to

Focuses on boosting confidence and inspiring individuals to pursue a specific path.

advise them to

Suggests offering informed recommendations or guidance on a specific matter.

persuade them to

Emphasizes convincing individuals to adopt a particular viewpoint or course of action.

FAQs

How can I use "steer them toward" in a sentence?

You can use "steer them toward" when you want to guide or direct someone towards a particular option, idea, or course of action. For example: "The teacher tried to steer them toward more challenging reading material".

What is a synonym for "steer them toward"?

Alternatives to "steer them toward" include "guide them to", "direct them to", or "lead them towards", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "steering them toward"?

Yes, "steering them toward" is the present participle form of the phrase and is grammatically correct. For example: "The academic advisor is steering them toward courses that align with their career goals."

What's the difference between "steer them toward" and "force them toward"?

"Steer them toward" implies gentle guidance or influence, while "force them toward" suggests coercion or compulsion. The former is persuasive, the latter is forceful.