we turned toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"We turned toward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe two objects that are moving in opposite directions, such as "We turned toward the shore and she sailed away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We turned toward the lake.

The New Yorker

Then we turned toward home, because we'd been invited to a picnic.

The New York Times

The surf whispered from Stinson Beach below us, and we turned toward it.

The New York Times - Travel

At last we turned toward the inlet and the waves we had been battling were shoving us homeward.

The New York Times

After a while we turned toward our next destination, the 18th-century Ishak Pasha palace, about 50 miles to the north.

The New York Times - Travel

As we turned toward harbor, Prosek flopped onto a seat and said, "That was mayhem, almost like a hedonistic pleasure -- especially when we had all the rods out and everybody was hooking up".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Then we turn toward the Bighouse, to attend a Salmon Pageant.

The Guardian

Research suggests that when we turn toward our cravings, we are less likely to engage in addictive behaviors; when we turn toward our physical pain, we are less likely to be trapped in cycles of chronic pain; when we turn toward our sadness, we are less likely to be stuck in depression; and when we turn toward our anxiety, we are less likely to be paralyzed by it and can find it easier to bear.

University of California, Berkeley

However, in this study, we turn toward operational practice, examining relationships between e-service process attributes and e-service quality dimensions.

Journal of Operations Management

CAROL MOSELEY BRAUN On the impact on black voters It's important that in the memory of Paul Simon, and all the Democrats who are looking to us for leadership, that we turn toward each other, not against each other, and take on the real enemy.

The New York Times

Therefore, we turn toward a much more universal strategy, subsampling, thanks to the following result (see the Additional File 1 for the proof).

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience (JMN)

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we turned toward" to clearly indicate a change in physical direction or a shift in focus to a new subject or idea.

Common error

While "toward" and "towards" are often interchangeable, "toward" is generally preferred in American English. Stick to "toward" for consistency unless "towards" is stylistically preferred or required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we turned toward" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a change in direction, either literally (physical movement) or figuratively (a shift in focus or attention). As Ludwig AI suggests, it depicts two objects moving in opposite directions. Ludwig examples illustrate both literal and figurative uses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we turned toward" is a versatile phrase used to describe a literal change in direction or a figurative shift in focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While relatively uncommon, its usage spans across various contexts, with News & Media and Scientific publications being the most frequent. Remember to prefer "toward" over "towards" in American English for consistency. The examples showcase its application in both physical and abstract scenarios, solidifying its utility in clear and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we shifted our focus to

Implies a change of attention or emphasis, rather than a physical direction.

we directed our attention to

Suggests a more deliberate and focused redirection of awareness.

we reoriented ourselves towards

Indicates a physical or metaphorical adjustment to face a new direction.

we faced

A simpler way to express a physical change in direction.

we swung around to

Emphasizes a quicker, more abrupt turning motion.

we looked towards

Specifically focuses on the act of looking in a new direction.

we inclined towards

Suggests a leaning or favoring of a new direction or idea.

we beared toward

Implies moving in a specific direction, especially in navigation.

we veered towards

Suggests a slight and often unintentional change in direction.

we made our way towards

Emphasizes the journey or effort in moving toward a particular place.

FAQs

How can I use "we turned toward" in a sentence?

Use "we turned toward" to describe a change in physical direction, such as "We turned toward the lake" or a shift in focus, like "We turned toward operational practice".

What are some alternatives to "we turned toward"?

You can use alternatives such as "we shifted our focus to", "we directed our attention to", or "we reoriented ourselves towards" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "towards" instead of "toward" in the phrase "we turned toward"?

Both "toward" and "towards" are acceptable, but "toward" is more common in American English. "Towards" is more frequently used in British English.

What does "we turned toward" imply in academic or scientific writing?

In academic or scientific writing, "we turned toward" often indicates a shift in research focus or methodology, suggesting a deliberate change in the direction of inquiry.