tilt towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"tilt towards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to when someone or something bends or leans in a certain direction. For example, "He tilted his head towards her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All human systems tilt towards messiness.

Harvard Business Review

Elsewhere in the chapter, he writes that "boys' interests tilt towards things" and "girls' interests tilt towards people," and that these interests are "strongly influenced by biological factors".

The New Yorker

This compounds Blair's dilemma in the knowledge that he will tilt towards business when pressed.

The Guardian

That might speak to the fact that the protests tilt towards the young.

The Washington Post

I tilt towards brown liquor in the winter, and I'd never turn down a Sazerac.

The New York Times

The Academy may tilt towards Redford more, but his campaign urgently needs some wind at its back.

The Guardian - Film

But they must see it as a serious long-term rival especially if it continues to tilt towards America.

The Economist

He suggested the national security strategy would continue to tilt towards investing in special forces, cyber-security, drones and intelligence capability, rather than conventional forces.

The Guardian

Invisible, he says, when they look for a decent home, try to access municipal services or tilt towards a decently paid job.

The Guardian

It is not enough even when those politicians, guided by some doctrinaire muscle memory, still tilt towards the Kremlin on foreign policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

He must also deal with activists who want his party to become more Islamic.A tilt towards radical Islam would certainly upset the generals.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tilt towards" to indicate a directional bias or preference, whether literal or figurative. For example, "The data seems to "tilt towards" a specific conclusion."

Common error

Avoid using "tilt towards" when a more precise term like "lean", "incline", or "slope" would better describe a physical angle or gradient. "Tilt towards" is best when referring to preferences and inclinations.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "tilt towards" primarily functions as a directional indicator, suggesting a movement, preference, or bias in a particular direction. It is often used to describe shifts in opinions, strategies, or policies, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tilt towards" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a leaning, preference, or shift in direction or focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, science, and business contexts. While it can be used literally, it is most effective in figurative contexts to express a change in orientation or focus. Be mindful to use more precise terms like "lean" or "incline" when describing physical angles. Consider alternatives like "lean toward" or "favor" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lean toward

Similar meaning, implying a preference or inclination.

incline toward

Indicates a tendency or disposition in a particular direction.

favor

Implies showing preference or support.

gravitate toward

Suggests a natural movement or attraction.

tend toward

Indicates a habitual or predictable direction.

move toward

Implies a shift or progression in a specific direction.

shift toward

Suggests a change in position or focus.

veer toward

Indicates a change of direction, often suddenly.

develop a bias toward

Suggests the formation of a preference or prejudice.

swing toward

Implies a considerable change or movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "tilt towards" to indicate a preference or leaning in a certain direction. For example, "The company's strategy began to "tilt towards" sustainable practices."

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

"Lean towards" and "tilt towards" are quite similar; however, "tilt towards" often suggests a more deliberate or noticeable shift in direction or preference, whereas "lean towards" can indicate a more subtle inclination.

Is it correct to use "tilt towards" in a literal, physical sense?

While "tilt towards" can be used in a literal sense, it's more common and appropriate to use it figuratively to describe a shift in preference or policy. For literal inclinations, words like "lean" or "incline" might be more precise.

What are some alternatives to "tilt towards"?

Some alternatives include "incline toward", "favor", or "gravitate toward", depending on the context.