veer toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veer toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tendency or inclination towards a particular direction, idea, or outcome. Example: "As the discussion progressed, the conversation began to veer toward more controversial topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Such thoughts can veer toward the sinister.

The New York Times - Arts

Some of the artists veer toward symbolism.

The New York Times - Arts

Chic in fact veer toward the Crusaders.

The Guardian - Music

And descriptions can veer toward melodrama.

The New York Times - Books

His attention to detail can veer toward obsession.

The New York Times

All that cleverness, though, can veer toward pretension.

The New York Times - Arts

Occasionally these veer toward abstraction, indicating yet another option.

The New York Times - Arts

His evolutionary metaphor is voracious, and so can veer toward meaningless.

The New York Times - Books

Her individual performances veer toward acoustic confessionals, and their bite hardly needs amplification.

The New York Times - Arts

And the yogurt flavors veer toward variations of chocolate and vanilla, not green tea or pomegranate.

The New York Times

When "Anglo-Saxon" commentators criticize Germany for imposing excessive austerity, the response can veer toward paranoia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "veer toward" to describe subtle shifts in opinion, strategy, or design. For example: "The artist's later works began to "veer toward" abstraction."

Common error

While "veer toward" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Opt for alternatives like "incline to" or "tend toward" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "veer toward" functions primarily as a dynamic verb phrase, indicating a change in direction or tendency. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase describes a shift in thought, style, or action. It's about changing direction in a certain way or another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "veer toward" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a shift in direction, opinion, or style, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. While grammatically sound, diversifying with alternatives like "tend toward" or "incline to" can enhance writing. Remember that it suggests an intentional change or a natural inclination towards a specific outcome. It implies change of direction whether the sense is concrete or figurative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tend toward

Implies a natural inclination or habitual movement in a specific direction. A very close synonym of "veer toward".

lean toward

Suggests a preference or bias in favor of something, indicating a mental inclination.

incline to

Highlights a predisposition or willingness towards a particular action or belief.

gravitate to

Emphasizes a natural attraction or movement towards something, often due to inherent qualities.

shift towards

Indicates a deliberate change in direction or focus, suggesting a more conscious decision.

move towards

Implies a gradual progression or transition in a particular direction.

head towards

Suggests an anticipated or predicted direction, often with a sense of inevitability.

swing towards

Implies a more forceful or abrupt change in direction, often influenced by external factors.

develop into

Highlights a progressive evolution into something.

converge on

Emphasizes the act of multiple entities moving to a single point.

FAQs

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

You can use "veer toward" to describe a gradual change in direction, opinion, or style. For example, "The project began to "veer toward" becoming something entirely different from its original concept."

What are some alternatives to "veer toward"?

Some alternatives to "veer toward" include "tend toward", "lean toward", or "incline to". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "veer towards" instead of "veer toward"?

While both forms are understandable, "veer toward" is the more common and generally preferred phrasing. Using "veer towards" is not incorrect, but it's less frequently used.

What's the difference between "veer toward" and "drift toward"?

"Veer toward" implies a more intentional or noticeable shift in direction, while "drift toward" suggests a more passive or unintentional movement. "Veer" indicates a course correction, whereas "drift" suggests a lack of control.