turn toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a physical or metaphorical action of directing oneself or attention to a specific direction or subject. Example: "As the discussion progressed, she began to turn toward the more pressing issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

called Turn Toward Peace.

The New Yorker

I turn toward Simon.

The New Yorker

You turn toward Bart.

The New York Times

Finally, I turn toward the elevator.

The New York Times

I turn toward the abode.

The New Yorker

His drives take a turn toward Thanatos.

The New York Times

The cries of despair began to turn toward insults.

The New Yorker

What had happened to cause it to turn toward violence?

The New Yorker

Sama takes the turn toward compassion that Chloe did not.

The New York Times - Books

His tone took an abrupt turn toward the harsh.

The New Yorker

A Democratic turn toward the West would accelerate this trend.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turn toward" to describe both physical movement and metaphorical shifts in focus or attitude. For instance, "turn toward the light" can mean literally facing a light source or metaphorically embracing hope or positivity.

Common error

Avoid using "turn toward" when a more precise verb would better convey the intended meaning. For example, "face" might be more appropriate for a direct physical orientation, while "focus on" might be better for emphasizing mental concentration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn toward" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of physically orienting oneself in a particular direction or, more abstractly, shifting focus or attention. As Ludwig examples show, it can describe a literal turning motion or a metaphorical shift in perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

16%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "turn toward" is a versatile verb phrase that signifies both physical reorientation and metaphorical shifts in focus or attitude. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is essential to choose more precise language if the situation warrants. The Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face towards

Indicates a physical reorientation to directly confront or view something.

shift focus to

Implies a change in mental or attentional emphasis toward a particular subject or area.

incline towards

Suggests a tendency or preference in a specific direction, either physically or attitudinally.

gravitate towards

Describes a natural attraction or movement towards something, often without conscious effort.

orient oneself to

Implies a deliberate adjustment in position or perspective to align with something.

pivot to

Indicates a strategic or abrupt change in direction or strategy.

veer toward

Suggests a slight or gradual change in direction, often implying a deviation from a previous course.

be drawn to

Implies a magnetic pull or irresistible attraction to someone or something.

direct attention to

Conveys a deliberate effort to focus on a specific subject or detail.

address oneself to

Implies a formal or committed approach to dealing with a particular task or issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "turn toward" to describe physical movement (e.g., "I "turn toward" the door") or a change in focus or attitude (e.g., "We need to "turn toward" sustainable solutions").

What can I say instead of "turn toward"?

You can use alternatives like "face towards", "shift focus to", or "incline towards" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "turned towards" instead of "turn toward"?

Yes, "turned towards" is a grammatically correct past tense or past participle form of ""turn toward"". Its usage depends on the tense and structure of your sentence.

What's the difference between ""turn toward"" and "move toward"?

"Turn toward" implies a reorientation or shift in focus, while "move toward" simply indicates physical movement in a specific direction. "Turn toward" often suggests a change in attitude or attention, which "move toward" does not necessarily convey.