What Does โMove toward sthโ Mean?
โMove toward sthโ means to physically or figuratively go in the direction of something. It can describe progress or approaching a goal or place.
Introduction
The phrase โmove toward sthโ is a common phrasal verb used in English to describe motion or progress in relation to an object, goal, or idea. Understanding the โmove toward sth meaningโ helps learners use it correctly in everyday conversations and writing. Whether you are talking about literally walking closer to a place or making progress toward a goal, this phrase is versatile and widely used. It is important to know how to use it properly with different contexts to communicate clearly and naturally.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: move toward something
- Type: Intransitive (can be transitive when used figuratively)
- Level: A2โB2
- Meaning: To go in the direction of something physically or figuratively
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โMove toward sthโ is usually inseparable, meaning you cannot put the object between โmoveโ and โtoward.โ
- Correct: move toward the door
- Incorrect: move the door toward
It can be followed by a noun or pronoun (something, a goal, a place).
How to Use โMove toward sthโ?
You can use โmove toward sthโ to describe physical movement or progress in non-physical contexts.
- Physical movement: โShe moved toward the exit.โ
- Progress: โThe company is moving toward a new strategy.โ
It often implies a gradual approach or development rather than a sudden change.
Examples
Here are some natural examples using โmove toward sth in a sentenceโ:
- He moved toward the stage confidently before starting his speech.
- Our team is moving toward completing the project by next month.
- The negotiations moved toward a positive conclusion after hours of discussion.
- She moved toward the idea of studying abroad after talking with her friends.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes, learners confuse the word order or use the phrase incorrectly.
- Incorrect: Move the goal toward.
- Correct: Move toward the goal.
- Incorrect: I am moving toward to success.
- Correct: I am moving toward success.
Remember, โtowardโ is a preposition and should be followed directly by a noun or pronoun without extra prepositions.
Differences / Synonyms
Some similar phrases include โhead toward,โ โgo toward,โ and โadvance toward.โ While they share meanings, they differ slightly.
- โHead towardโ often implies intentional direction or leadership.
- โGo towardโ is more general for physical movement.
- โAdvance towardโ suggests progress, often in formal or military contexts.
โMove towardโ fits both physical and figurative uses and is more neutral in tone.
Common Collocations
โMove towardโ is often used with these objects:
- Goal: Progress or aim
- Exit/door: Physical direction
- Solution: Problem-solving progress
- Change: Gradual development
- Decision: Approaching a conclusion
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of move toward sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Hereโs a short conversation using โmove toward sthโ:
Anna: Are we moving toward the right location for the meeting?
Ben: Yes, I see the building ahead. Letโs move toward it quickly.
Anna: Great, I hope we move toward a good agreement today.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of โmove towardโ:
- She is __________ a career in medicine.
- The children __________ the playground after school.
- We need to __________ a solution before the deadline.
Answers: moving toward, moved toward, move toward
FAQs
- What does โmove toward sthโ mean? It means to go physically or figuratively in the direction of something.
- Is โmove towardโ separable? No, it is usually inseparable.
- Can โmove towardโ be used figuratively? Yes, it can describe progress toward goals or ideas.
- What is the difference between โmove towardโ and โhead towardโ? โHead towardโ suggests intentional direction, while โmove towardโ is more general.
- Can I say โmove toward to successโ? No, you should say โmove toward successโ without โto.โ
