steering him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steering him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of guiding or directing someone in a particular direction or towards a specific goal. Example: "She was steering him towards a more positive mindset during their conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Yes," she said, putting her arm through his and steering him toward the piano.

The New Yorker

McWilliams credits his father, Morris, for steering him to and keeping him in baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

"But what about questionable politicians," I ask, steering him in a Putin-wards direction.

Independent

Here they take Bresnan into the milk sheds, tapping him and steering him around.

The Guardian - Sport

If Nigel has an Ari Gold figure, where is he steering him?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If we were managing his career, we'd be steering him away from moombahton, towards soundtrack composing.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

We don't see him steering his car wildly and ducking bullets as gangsters hunt him down.

The New York Times - Books

Ranieri's view is that without him steering Chelsea into fourth, thanks to a last-day win over Liverpool, Abramovich might never have arrived.

Independent

The floor traders at those traditional exchanges claimed he was, in essence, paying bribes and that brokers steering business to him were not really getting the best prices for their customers.

The New York Times

"But I'm still steering and protecting him.

BBC

He can't save us from what's ahead, but I like to think it'll be him steering the Ship of State through the thousand foot waves of the coming Perfect Storm.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steering him" to convey the idea of subtly guiding someone's actions or decisions, especially when physical direction or indirect influence is involved. It suggests a gentle but purposeful redirection.

Common error

Avoid using "steering him" when the situation involves forceful command or overt control. "Steering" implies finesse and indirect influence, not outright domination. Using a stronger word like "commanding" or "forcing" might be more appropriate in situations of overt control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steering him" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. It describes the action of guiding or directing someone, as seen in Ludwig examples where individuals are being subtly led towards a particular direction or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "steering him" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the act of guiding or influencing someone, often in a subtle or indirect way. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While alternatives like "guiding him" or "directing him" exist, "steering" specifically implies a gentle but purposeful redirection. Effective use involves understanding this subtlety to avoid misapplication in situations requiring more forceful language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guiding him

Focuses on providing support and direction, differing slightly in connotation from actively maneuvering.

directing him

Emphasizes clear instructions and a more formal approach to leading.

leading him

Suggests taking the initiative and showing the way forward.

influencing him

Highlights the impact on his decisions and actions, rather than physical direction.

mentoring him

Implies a long-term relationship focused on growth and development.

advising him

Focuses on providing counsel and recommendations.

counseling him

Suggests offering professional guidance and support.

navigating him

Implies helping him through complex or challenging situations.

channeling him

Suggests redirecting his energy or focus.

shepherding him

Implies careful and protective guidance.

FAQs

How can I use "steering him" in a sentence?

You can use "steering him" to describe guiding someone's actions or decisions. For instance, "She was "steering him" towards a different career path with subtle suggestions".

What are some alternatives to "steering him"?

Alternatives include "guiding him", "directing him", or "leading him", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "steering him"?

"Steering him" is appropriate when you want to emphasize a subtle or indirect form of guidance, rather than a direct command or forceful influence. If that is not the case, use a more straightforward word.

What's the difference between "steering him" and "controlling him"?

"Steering him" implies gentle guidance and influence, while "controlling him" suggests a more forceful and dominant approach. Steering allows for some autonomy, whereas controlling removes it. If that is not the case, use a more gentle word.