tilt toward

USAGE SUMMARY

'tilt toward' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe an attitude or inclination that favors one particular side over another. For example, "The public opinion seemed to tilt toward stricter gun control regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The telecast should tilt toward Al.

The New York Times

Gallup says Americans tilt toward favoring repeal.

The New York Times

Sometimes relations tilt toward the surreal.

The New York Times

Some things do tilt toward Mr. Toledo, analysts say.

The New York Times

In arbitration, the rules tilt toward businesses, employment experts say.

The New York Times

In this version, the maxims tilt toward the mildly scatological.

The New York Times

Only voters who tilt toward the margins benefit from it.

The New York Times

Democratic-dominated boards often tilt toward unions and reverse the decisions of Republican-leaning boards, which usually tilt toward management, and vice versa.

The New York Times

Presumably, Pakistan would have its own view of whose side the Americans should tilt toward.

The New York Times

Though slim on plot, "Come Back, Little Sheba" could easily tilt toward giggly hysteria.

The New York Times

But on the G.O.P. side, the caucuses tilt toward the exclusionary hard right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tilt toward" to subtly indicate a shift in opinion, support, or orientation without explicitly stating a complete change.

Common error

While "tilt toward" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "favor", "support", or "advocate" to convey your intended meaning with greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tilt toward" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating a tendency or inclination in a specific direction or towards a particular outcome. Ludwig examples highlight its use in expressing a directional shift, often subtle, in opinions or preferences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tilt toward" is a versatile phrasal verb used to express a non-decisive shift in opinion, preference, or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and common in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for a variety of writing styles. While the meaning is similar to alternatives like ""lean toward"" or "incline toward", "tilt toward" suggests a more pronounced movement. To ensure effective writing, use "tilt toward" to subtly indicate a directional shift, and be mindful of its appropriateness in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lean towards

Indicates a preference or inclination, similar to "tilt toward" but suggests a less pronounced shift.

incline toward

Suggests a tendency or predisposition, similar to "tilt toward" but with a focus on inherent nature.

gravitate towards

Implies a natural movement or attraction, similar to "tilt toward" but emphasizes the pull or influence.

tend toward

Highlights a pattern or consistent behavior, similar to "tilt toward" but focuses on observable trends.

favor

A more direct way of indicating preference. It lacks the sense of movement implied by "tilt toward".

be biased toward

Suggests a prejudice or leaning based on incomplete information. Stronger in connotation than "tilt toward".

show preference for

Directly expresses favoring something over another. Less subtle than "tilt toward".

develop an affinity for

Describes a growing liking or connection. The subtle difference is in the building of a relationship over time.

shift in favor of

Focuses on the change in preference, explicitly stating a move from one position to another.

show a propensity for

Emphasizes a natural inclination or tendency. More formal than "tilt toward".

FAQs

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

You can use "tilt toward" to describe a subtle shift in preference, opinion, or orientation. For example, "The evidence seems to "lean toward" a guilty verdict" or "The company's strategy is beginning to "shift toward" more sustainable practices".

What's the difference between "tilt toward" and "lean toward"?

"Tilt toward" and ""lean toward"" are quite similar, both suggesting a preference or inclination. However, "tilt" can imply a more noticeable or decisive shift than "lean".

What can I say instead of "tilt toward" to show preference?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "favor", "incline toward", or "gravitate toward" to express a preference.

Is it always appropriate to use "tilt toward" in academic writing?

While "tilt toward" is generally acceptable, consider the level of formality required. In some academic contexts, more precise verbs like "support", "suggest", or "indicate" might be more suitable, depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.