steering

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "steering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to describe the act of operating and guiding a vehicle or as a noun to describe the wheel or system used to control a car. For example: He applied pressure to the steering wheel to turn the car to the right.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Harper, who was steering an immigration bill through the Commons that warns employers of their duty to check the status of employees, notified David Cameron on Friday, when his resignation was accepted "with regret".

The Guardian

Labour's national executive committee will meet early next week to set a timetable for a contest to replace both Miliband and the deputy leader, Harriet Harman, who will quit that post after steering the party through the interim period.

The Guardian

The manager has certainly given his club plenty to celebrate in its centenary year, leading his team at one point on a 17-game unbeaten run, before eventually steering them to sixth place.

The Guardian - Sport

The Liberal leader, Abbott, has thrown himself into recognition positively, but he has what could be a tough task, steering a meaningful reform proposal through conservative pockets of opposition.

The Guardian

Ancelotti, for his part, departed on a good note, steering his side to a 2 0 win over Fiorentina to secure third place and ensure automatic Champions League qualification for next season.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, they're sharp, smart and funny – steering conversation from Janet's black nail varnish and Corin's neon pink jeans to the successes and failures of the Obama administration.

The Guardian - Music

Are they in fact steering themselves - and the public with them - into a barrage of the very kind of big government interventions they fear the most?

The Guardian

His was no longer the calm hand at the tiller, steering his ship through the storm.

The Guardian - Opinion

He reportedly would drive to work while noshing on a bowl of cereal, steering his car with his knees.

The Guardian - Money

In Johannesburg, for example, he documents how an ironing-board frame was used as a vending stand and later attached to a makeshift cart for steering.

The Guardian - Tech

Lobbyists succeed by owning the terms of debate, steering conversations away from those they can't win and on to those they can.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steering" as a verb, ensure it clearly indicates the act of directing or guiding, whether in a literal or figurative sense. For example, "steering a car" or "steering a project to success."

Common error

Avoid using "steering" in contexts where a more nuanced verb like "guiding" or "managing" would be more appropriate. Overusing "steering" can make your writing sound repetitive or less precise.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "steering" varies depending on the context. It functions as a present participle of the verb "steer" when describing an ongoing action (e.g., "steering the ship"). It can also function as a noun, referring to the equipment used for controlling direction as Ludwig AI indicates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steering" functions both as a present participle and a noun, indicating direction and control in various contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used in both literal and figurative senses. It appears most frequently in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" contexts. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of guiding or controlling, and consider alternatives like "guiding" or "directing" for nuanced expressions. Avoid overuse in abstract contexts to maintain clarity and precision. Using "steering" correctly ensures your writing is both accurate and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guiding

Focuses on the act of leading or directing something.

managing

Implies controlling and organizing resources or activities.

directing

Emphasizes the act of pointing or showing the way.

navigating

Suggests finding a path or course through a complex environment.

controlling

Highlights the act of maintaining influence or authority.

piloting

Refers specifically to guiding a vehicle or aircraft.

maneuvering

Indicates skillful or strategic movement.

supervising

Implies overseeing and directing a process or team.

channeling

Suggests directing something into a specific course.

orchestrating

Implies skillfully arranging or coordinating elements.

FAQs

How can I use "steering" in a sentence?

You can use "steering" as a verb to describe guiding a vehicle, such as "He was steering the boat carefully through the channel". It can also be used figuratively, like "She is steering the company towards a new direction".

What are some alternatives to "steering"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "guiding", "directing", or "managing". For example, instead of "steering the conversation", you might say "guiding the discussion".

What part of speech is "steering"?

"Steering" can be both a verb (present participle of "steer") and a noun. As a verb, it describes the act of guiding. As a noun, it refers to the equipment used to control direction, such as a "steering wheel".

When should I use "steering" versus "leading"?

"Steering" implies control and direction, often in a specific course or path, while "leading" suggests influence and guidance to reach a goal. "Steering" is suitable for vehicles or projects needing precise control, whereas "leading" is better for people or organizations where influence is key.