steer towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"steer towards" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe guiding someone in a particular direction or making decisions with a certain aim in mind. For example, "The company is steering towards more sustainable business practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Do we steer towards the vibration, or away?

The Guardian

Eventually I give him a little steer towards Iraq.

The Guardian

By contrast, a saver needing a short-term emergency fund should steer towards cash savings.

The Guardian - Money

/ In my head, when the gales are riding wild, / I steer towards catastrophe / then write about it".

The Guardian - Books

Both sides should continue to steer towards a new type of relationship between big powers based on mutual respect and partnership, said Mr. Dai.

The New York Times

"I think it is a fundamental wrong belief that we can steer towards a better future by stopping using fossil fuels.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The truth steers towards the latter.

The Guardian - Music

The conversation steers towards retirement and to how long he can continue.

The Guardian - Sport

Two years later, he wrote to President Franklin Roosevelt for advice, and was steered towards government surplus grain.

The Guardian

Most is steered towards a few friendly regimes, or (in China's case) places with natural resources.

The Economist

All too soon, however, the living conversation of poet and reader steers towards the familiar shadowlands of myth and history.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steer towards", ensure that the subject actively makes a choice to move in a particular direction, either literally or figuratively. It indicates a deliberate action.

Common error

Avoid using "steer towards" when describing something being passively influenced. Instead, use phrases like "be guided towards" or "be directed to" when the subject isn't actively making the choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steer towards" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the act of guiding or directing something, whether it's a physical object or an abstract concept, in a specific direction. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steer towards" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe deliberate movement or direction towards a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While neutral in formality, it's essential to use it when the subject is actively making a choice. Remember to avoid using it passively; instead, opt for phrases like "be guided towards". Its widespread presence across news, scientific, and wiki sources underscores its common usage in both formal and informal communication. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "steer towards" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gravitate towards

Emphasizes a natural inclination or attraction towards something.

gravitate to

Similar to gravitate towards, but can also imply physical attraction.

head in the direction of

Focuses on physical movement or progression towards a specific location.

lean toward

Indicates a slight preference or tendency in a particular direction.

incline toward

Highlights a tendency or preference for a particular option or belief.

tend toward

Suggests a habitual or characteristic inclination.

move in the direction of

Suggests progress or advancement toward a specific goal or outcome.

be guided toward

Suggests external influence or direction.

favor

Implies showing preference or support for something.

make for

Indicates setting a course or heading in a specific direction.

FAQs

What does "steer towards" mean?

It means to guide, direct, or influence movement or actions in a particular direction or towards a specific goal. It can be used both literally (like steering a vehicle) and figuratively (like steering a conversation).

How can I use "steer towards" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe guiding someone or something toward a goal. For example: "The company is "steering towards" more sustainable business practices".

What are some alternatives to "steer towards"?

You can use alternatives like "gravitate towards", "incline toward", or "tend toward" depending on the context.

When should I use "steer towards" versus "be guided towards"?

"Steer towards" implies an active choice and direction, while "be guided towards" suggests external influence or direction. Use "steer towards" when someone is actively making a choice to move in a specific direction, and "be guided towards" when they are being passively influenced.