trend toward

USAGE SUMMARY

'trend toward' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is often used to describe a movement or shift in a particular direction or pattern. Example: There has been a trend toward healthier eating habits among young adults in recent years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The trend toward ticket-splitting is gaining.

The New Yorker

That represents a modest trend toward skepticism.

The New York Times

He also noted the trend toward specialization.

The New York Times

Is the trend toward career reinvention permanent?

The New York Times

It's part of the trend toward control".

The New Yorker

I don't like the trend toward isolation.

The New York Times

"There's a growing trend toward modern geometric aesthetics," he added.

The New York Times

Followers of the trend toward ladylike dressing, take note.

The New York Times - Style

He expects the trend toward political hacking to continue.

The New York Times - Tech

Merck has also resisted the industry trend toward mergers.

The New York Times

Direct marketing to patients is another trend toward increased prescriptions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trend toward", ensure that the direction of the trend is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "there is a trend toward something", specify what that something is.

Common error

Be cautious about exaggerating the importance or permanence of a "trend toward". A trend may be temporary or not as widespread as initially perceived. Ensure your claims are supported by sufficient evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trend toward" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to indicate a general direction or shift. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trend toward" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a general direction or shift. Ludwig AI supports its usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal writing. To use it effectively, clearly specify the direction of the trend and avoid overstating its significance. Alternatives like "inclination towards" or "movement towards" can provide nuanced variations. Be aware that while versatile, ensuring clarity and contextual relevance is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

movement towards

Substitutes "trend" with "movement", highlighting an ongoing change or progression.

inclination towards

Replaces "trend" with "inclination", emphasizing a predisposition or leaning.

tendency to move towards

Emphasizes the inclination to change direction.

development towards

Focuses on progress and advancement in a specific direction.

shift in favor of

Replaces "trend toward" with a more directional "shift in favor of", indicating a change in preference.

progression in direction of

Focuses on continuous advancement in a specific directional context.

increasingly inclined to

Uses "inclined" to suggest a growing tendency or preference.

growing preference for

Highlights increasing popularity rather than just a general direction.

emerging pattern of

Highlights the formation of a recognizable and new behavioral norm.

evolving into

Suggests a gradual transformation or development into something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "trend toward" to describe a shift or movement in a particular direction. For example, "There is a trend toward increased use of renewable energy".

What can I say instead of "trend toward"?

You can use alternatives like "inclination towards", "movement towards", or "shift in favor of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "trends toward" instead of "trend toward"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "trend toward" usually refers to a general direction, while "trends toward" might describe multiple, specific tendencies. Consider the context to determine the most appropriate phrasing.

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

"Trend toward" implies a general direction or change happening over time, while "tendency toward" suggests an inherent inclination or predisposition. "Tendency toward" focuses more on a natural inclination than an observed shift.