trending towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trending towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual movement or inclination in a particular direction, often in relation to trends or changes over time. Example: "The company's sales figures have been trending towards an increase over the past few months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Magni, she said, "is still trending towards glamour".

The New York Times

First, overall developments are trending towards greater radicalisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now it's trending towards 2 billion flips per month".

The Guardian - Tech

"I'm always trying to do something different and fun, but more lately now I'm really trending towards simplicity," Williams said.

The New York Times - Sports

He said the "situation in the North Caucasus is trending towards destabilisation, despite the increase in security inside Chechnya" – a prediction borne out by subsequent events.

The Guardian

"There's a future for industry in Australia but it is a different future, which we have been trending towards for some time".

The Guardian

Given that tablet industry sales have been trending towards smaller, cheaper models, I wouldn't bank on Tesco going large, but it's not impossible.

The Guardian - Tech

This is how a good literary critic shapes culture.This week, Mr Wieseltier wrote a much-criticised piece accusing Andrew Sullivan of trending towards anti-semitism.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Profit and loss statements trended towards "build it somewhere else".

TechCrunch

Compared to Whites, Asians trended towards better mental health scores.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

It notes a worldwide trend towards abolition.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trending towards" to describe ongoing developments or shifts, rather than sudden or completed changes.

Common error

Avoid using "trending towards" when describing a completed outcome. Instead, reserve it for situations where the direction is clear but the final result is not yet fully realized.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "trending towards" is to act as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a directional movement or inclination. It signifies that something is in the process of changing or developing in a specific direction. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from market trends to scientific observations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trending towards" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a directional movement or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and science. It is appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using "trending towards", it's important to describe current developments rather than final outcomes. Semantically related phrases include "moving toward" and "inclining toward". While "trending towards" is a common and useful phrase, be mindful of avoiding its misuse by remembering that it's best used to describe something in progress, and not a completed action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving toward

This alternative directly suggests physical or metaphorical movement in the direction of a specific goal or outcome.

progressing toward

This phrase emphasizes forward movement and development in the direction of something.

inclining toward

Suggests a leaning or bias in a certain direction, highlighting a predisposition.

gravitating toward

Implies a natural attraction or pull towards something, suggesting an inevitable movement.

shifting toward

Indicates a change in position or direction, emphasizing the transition from one state to another.

heading toward

Suggests a planned or intentional movement in a specific direction, implying a clear destination.

developing into

Focuses on the process of transformation and growth, highlighting the emergence of something new.

evolving into

Emphasizes gradual change and adaptation over time, suggesting a natural progression.

gearing up for

Implies preparation and anticipation for a future event or activity, highlighting readiness and intent.

drifting toward

Suggests a slow, unintentional movement in a particular direction, implying a lack of control.

FAQs

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

Use "trending towards" to describe a gradual movement or inclination. For example, "The stock market is "trending towards" a correction" indicates a likely, but not definite, future decline.

What are some alternatives to "trending towards"?

Alternatives include "moving toward", "progressing toward", or "inclining toward", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "trending towards" in formal writing?

Yes, "trending towards" is suitable for formal writing. Its usage is well-documented in reputable sources, including academic journals and news publications.

What's the difference between "trending towards" and "trending to"?

"Trending towards" is more common and generally preferred, as it clearly indicates a directional movement. "Trending to" is less frequent and can sometimes sound awkward.