toward this day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "toward this day" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward in many contexts.
It can be used when referring to a specific day that is significant or anticipated, often in a poetic or formal context. Example: "The preparations have been ongoing for many months, all leading toward this day of celebration."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Obama's move is an important step toward this day.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although Mr. Schütte's documentary remains unfinished, the 100 hours of video helped nudge him toward this day.

The New York Times

"We've been working toward this day for years," said George Goehl, an executive director of People's Action Institute, a group that says it fights for racial and economic justice.

The New York Times

The company, which has been working toward this day for some time, announced $14M in Series A funding last November.

TechCrunch

"We've been working for months toward this day, so we were pretty bummed," he said.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He gravitated toward "socially responsible" investing (to this day, he has a Working Assets Visa card -- "plastic with purpose" that contributes a percentage of purchases to causes) and ultimately worked his way up to his job as one of two employees at Trillium who devote all their time to social advocacy.

The New York Times

Saarland will take what could be a meaningful step toward the Derby this Sunday at Aqueduct, where he will be among the favorites in a surprisingly strong $200,000 Gotham Stakes.

The New York Times - Sports

Arnulf Øverland, a highly public figure who wrote poems and essays and was a contributor to the Marxist journal Mot Dag ("Toward Day"), actively opposed both organized religion and modernist trends.

Encyclopedia Britannica

'Best Job in the World' Williams steered his black Mercedes S550 toward the office, which, on this Saturday in December, happened to be Dean Smith Center, in nearby Chapel Hill.

The New York Times - Sports

So as I walked down the steps toward the town center on this Wednesday at the end of August I had a place in my heart for everything I beheld.

The New Yorker

(Toward midnight Saturday, I faced a half-hour wait).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "toward this day", ensure the context is either formal or poetic to match the phrase's register. For instance, it is appropriate for wedding vows or graduation speeches. If a more casual tone is needed, consider alternatives like "leading up to this day".

Common error

Avoid using "toward this day" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or overly theatrical. Opt for simpler alternatives like "leading up to" or "for" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "toward this day" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating direction, purpose, or time leading up to a specific day. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase isn't commonly used and can sound formal.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "toward this day" is a prepositional phrase that indicates anticipation or movement towards a specific day. While grammatically correct, it is relatively rare and can sound formal. Ludwig AI indicates that it may sound awkward in certain contexts. When using it, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with your intended message. Alternatives like "leading up to this day" or "in anticipation of this day" may be more appropriate in casual settings. The phrase is mostly found in News & Media and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading up to this day

Replaces "toward" with a more common phrase indicating progression.

in anticipation of this day

Emphasizes the expectation and preparation for the specific day.

in preparation for this day

Highlights the actions taken to get ready for the specific day.

approaching this day

Focuses on the nearness and imminent arrival of the day.

as this day draws near

A more poetic phrasing highlighting the passage of time before the day.

in the run-up to this day

Emphasizes the period of preparation and anticipation before the day.

with this day in mind

Indicates that actions are performed considering the specific day.

looking forward to this day

Expresses anticipation and excitement about the upcoming day.

aiming for this day

Highlights the goal-oriented nature of working toward a specific day.

working towards this day

Stresses the effort and labor put in to prepare for the day.

FAQs

What does "toward this day" mean?

The phrase "toward this day" suggests movement, progression, or anticipation directed at a specific day. It's often used to describe actions or feelings leading up to a significant event or date.

How can I use "toward this day" in a sentence?

You can use "toward this day" to describe preparations or feelings leading up to a particular event. For example, "All our efforts have been directed "leading up to this day" of celebration."

Which is a better alternative to "toward this day": "leading up to this day" or "in anticipation of this day"?

Both ""leading up to this day"" and "in anticipation of this day" are suitable alternatives. "Leading up to this day" focuses on the progression of events, while "in anticipation of this day" emphasizes the expectation and excitement.

Is "toward this day" formal or informal?

"Toward this day" leans toward the more formal side. In informal contexts, consider using ""leading up to this day"" or "for this day" for a more relaxed tone.