trajectory towards

USAGE SUMMARY

'trajectory towards' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally describes the direction something is moving or heading towards. For example, "The business is on a positive trajectory towards growth and higher profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sporting films have a natural trajectory towards an ending of tension, euphoria and catharsis.

The Guardian

In this context of majority progress, backlash is a minority blip in the overall worldwide trajectory towards LGBTI equality.

The Guardian

On the one side are the pragmatists, those prepared to go with the flow and do the government's bidding, with its trajectory towards home ownership.

The Guardian

Each player was acutely attuned to the sonorities realised by the other, moving on a slow trajectory towards the culminating final Amen de la Consommation.

The Guardian - Music

Yingluck Shinawatra's announcement at the opening of wildlife trade meeting Cites in Bangkok comes as African elephants are again on a dramatic trajectory towards extinction.

The Guardian

At the height of modernism, there was an idea that art was on a pure trajectory towards an ideal, but that has rather gone out the window now".

The Guardian - Arts

Tim Farron's party seeks to cast the contest as a referendum on the Tory government and particularly its trajectory towards a hard Brexit.

The Guardian - Opinion

The constituency voted heavily to remain within the European Union and the government is embarked on a trajectory towards one of the harder versions of Brexit.

The Guardian - Opinion

This could apply to most disposable films whose only raison d'etre is its narrative trajectory towards the revelatory or twist ending.

The Guardian - Film

Accelerating towards goal, he proceeding to elude Lee Camp courtesy of a crisp low, left-foot shot dispatched on an unerring trajectory towards the bottom corner.

The Guardian - Sport

The figure, which reflects how early City are on their trajectory towards worldwide brand recognition, is also less than Arsenal's £13m-a-year 10-year deal with Nike.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, "trajectory towards" can provide a sense of direction and momentum. For instance, you might speak of a "trajectory towards" greater social equality or a "trajectory towards" a more sustainable future.

Common error

Avoid using "trajectory towards" when a simpler preposition like 'to' or 'toward' would suffice. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing a dynamic process or anticipated progression, not merely a static location or direction. Saying something is simply 'directed toward' a goal might be clearer than implying a complex 'trajectory'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trajectory towards" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. It describes the directional path or projected course something is taking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates movement or progression in a specific direction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trajectory towards" is a widely used prepositional phrase that effectively describes the path or direction something is taking toward a specific goal. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's frequently found in news, science, and business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using "trajectory towards", ensure it reflects a dynamic progression rather than a static state. While alternatives like "course towards" and "path towards" exist, "trajectory towards" distinctly conveys a sense of planned or expected development. The numerous examples confirm its relevance across various reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

course towards

This alternative focuses on the path or direction being taken.

path towards

This alternative emphasizes the steps or stages involved in progressing toward a goal.

trend towards

This alternative is most suitable when discussing a pattern or tendency over time.

direction towards

This alternative emphasizes the general direction in which something is moving.

movement towards

This alternative suggests active progress or shifting focus.

progression towards

This alternative highlights the sequential steps in approaching a goal.

approach to

This alternative implies the existence of actions to reach a desired outcome.

tendency to

This alternative stresses an inclination without implying direct movement.

drift toward

This alternative emphasizes a passive, gradual shift without an intentional goal.

leaning toward

This alternative indicates a preference or bias, but without physical movement.

FAQs

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

"Trajectory towards" is used to describe the path or direction something is taking toward a specific goal or outcome. For example, "The company is on a positive "trajectory towards" profitability" or "The project has a clear "trajectory towards" success if we follow these steps".

What are some alternatives to "trajectory towards"?

Alternatives include "course towards", "path towards", "trend towards", or "direction towards". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "trajectory towards" formal or informal?

"Trajectory towards" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts. It is less common in very informal conversations.

Can "trajectory towards" be used for both literal and figurative movement?

Yes, "trajectory towards" can describe both literal movement (e.g., a missile's "trajectory towards" its target) and figurative movement (e.g., a company's "trajectory towards" market dominance).