trajectory toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trajectory toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a direction or path leading to a particular goal or outcome. Example: "The company's trajectory toward sustainability has garnered attention from industry leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The conduct of these elections is a crucial test of Nigeria's trajectory toward democracy.

The New York Times

Also, the trajectory toward violent offending differs with gender and this dictates a different treatment approach.

The Guardian

This is not the trajectory toward integration and acceptance that Muslims thought they were on.

The New York Times

The success of the last free elections is the greatest proof of Libya's steady trajectory toward democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

He believes that Silicon Valley is mission control for mankind, which is therefore on a steep trajectory toward perfection.

The New Yorker

Our trajectory toward energy independence would have begun years ago, with the vigor we expect from the United States.

The New York Times

Like a flickering compass needle, science offers a trajectory toward truth, but not a recipe for dealing with it.

The New York Times - Books

The life of the novel's other heroine, Laila, who becomes Rasheed's second wife, takes an even sharper trajectory toward ruin.

The New York Times - Books

The legal and political debate over the nation's gun laws was following a familiar trajectory: toward fewer restrictions.

The New York Times

Reports that come in at under 150,000 jobs could put him on a trajectory toward defeat.

The New York Times

He believes that Silicon Valley is mission control for mankind and, therefore, on a steep trajectory toward perfection.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trajectory toward" to describe a planned or expected progression toward a specific goal. For example, "The company's "trajectory toward" increased profits is based on aggressive marketing strategies."

Common error

Avoid using "trajectory toward" to describe something that is already at its destination. The phrase implies movement and direction, so it's unsuitable for static situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trajectory toward" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It describes the direction or path that something is taking in order to reach a specific point or goal. Ludwig AI provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trajectory toward" is a versatile phrase used to describe the direction or path leading to a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various domains, including News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in tone, it leans toward formality, making it suitable for professional and academic contexts. To ensure accurate usage, remember that "trajectory toward" implies movement and direction, making it unsuitable for static contexts. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "trajectory toward" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

path leading to

Emphasizes the route or course taken to reach a destination, focusing on the steps or actions involved.

direction aimed at

Highlights the intended target or goal, emphasizing the purpose or intention behind the movement.

course towards

Similar to "trajectory", but may imply a less precise or predetermined path.

movement towards

Focuses on the act of moving or progressing, suitable when the process is more important than the specific target.

progression to

Highlights the sequential nature of the advancement, suitable for describing step-by-step development.

tendency to

Emphasizes a predisposition or inclination toward a particular outcome, implying a natural or inherent leaning.

inclination toward

Similar to "tendency", but often implies a weaker or more subjective leaning.

shift towards

Indicates a change in direction or focus, implying a deliberate alteration of course.

drift towards

Suggests a gradual and often unintentional movement, implying a lack of deliberate control.

evolution towards

Highlights a gradual process of development and change, suitable for describing long-term trends.

FAQs

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

Use "trajectory toward" to describe the path or direction something is taking to reach a specific goal. For example, "The student's "trajectory toward" graduation is on track."

What can I say instead of "trajectory toward"?

You can use alternatives like "path leading to", "direction aimed at", or "course towards" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "trajectory to" instead of "trajectory toward"?

While "trajectory" can sometimes be used with "to", "trajectory toward" is more common and emphasizes movement or progress in a specific direction. Consider which preposition better suits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "trajectory toward" and "trend toward"?

"Trajectory toward" suggests a more defined path or direction, while "trend toward" indicates a general tendency or inclination without necessarily implying a specific goal.