trend towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trend towards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a general direction of change or development; for example, "There has been a trend towards more sustainable practices in the tech industry over the past few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It notes a worldwide trend towards abolition.

The Economist

There's also a ominous trend towards flexibility.

The Guardian

This unseemly trend towards hyperbole must stop.

The Guardian

There's a trend towards soundbites and simplification.

The Guardian

Hence the increasing trend towards tactical voting.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There is a growing authoritarian trend towards one-person rule.

The Guardian

The trend towards less deforestation might not last though.

The Guardian

Accessories sales were stable, with a trend towards smaller bags.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's always a trend towards more healthy products.

The Guardian

There is an increasing trend towards self-censorship.

The Guardian

In town, there's a trend towards western style menus.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "trend towards" with specific metrics or data to strengthen your statement. For example, "The trend towards electric vehicles is supported by a 20% increase in sales year-over-year."

Common error

Avoid using "trend towards" when the change is already fully realized. For example, instead of "There is a trend towards using email for communication now", say "Email is now the standard for communication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trend towards" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically introduces a noun or noun phrase, indicating a direction or inclination of change. Ludwig AI indicates its broad applicability across contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trend towards" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe an ongoing pattern of change or development. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various fields, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "shift toward" or "movement toward" exist, "trend towards" specifically highlights a gradual inclination in a particular direction. It is important to distinguish between describing something as a "trend towards" and declaring it as an established fact. Remember to use this phrase when describing an observed development that isn't yet fully complete.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shift toward

Indicates a change in direction, often implying a deliberate movement.

movement toward

Emphasizes the process of changing from one state to another.

inclination toward

Highlights a natural preference or leaning.

tendency toward

Suggests a predisposition or likelihood of moving in a certain direction.

progression to

Emphasizes the forward movement and development into a specific outcome.

development toward

Focuses on the gradual evolution and growth in a particular direction.

swing to

Implies a more abrupt or noticeable change in direction.

drift toward

Suggests a gradual and often unintentional movement.

evolution toward

Highlights a gradual and natural change over time.

course to

Focuses on the path or direction being taken.

FAQs

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

You can use "trend towards" to describe a gradual shift or development. For instance, "There's a "trend towards" healthier eating habits among young adults."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "trend towards"?

You can use alternatives such as "shift toward", "movement toward", or "inclination toward" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "trend towards" or should I use another preposition?

The phrase "trend towards" is correct and commonly used. Other prepositions might change the meaning slightly. For example, "trend in" refers to a current fashion.

What's the difference between "trend towards" and "change towards"?

"Trend towards" suggests a gradual development or pattern, while "change towards" indicates a more general alteration or modification. The phrase "trend towards" implies a direction.