Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb: Move Toward

"As we move toward understanding, our past lessons echo in the chambers of wisdom, guiding our future steps with mindful clarity."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'move toward' refers to progressing in a specific direction or working gradually towards a particular goal or objective.

Examples in context

The ship moved toward the distant island, navigating carefully through the fog.
As the team moved toward their target, they adjusted their strategies for better efficiency.
He moved toward the podium with confidence, prepared to deliver his speech.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'move toward' refers to progressing in a specific direction or working gradually towards a particular goal or objective.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

'Move toward' cannot be split; the parts should stay together.

Neutral

The expression is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object to indicate what the movement is directed towards.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	move toward	They move toward a common goal.
Past Simple	moved toward	She moved toward the entrance cautiously.
Present Continuous	moving toward	We are moving toward a resolution.
Present Perfect	have moved toward	They have moved toward reconciliation over the years.

💡 When to Use

Setting goals

Use 'move toward' when discussing progress or effort directed at achieving specific objectives.

Example: "We are moving toward completing the project by next month."

Physical direction

Use when describing movement in a specific direction or location.

Example: "The car moved toward the city center."

Abstract progress

Express progress in concepts like peace, understanding, or agreement.

Example: "They are moving toward a mutual understanding."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect word order

❌ Wrong: Move the plan toward.

✅ Correct: Move toward the plan.

💡 Tip: Remember to place 'toward' right after 'move'.

Using without an object

❌ Wrong: They are moving.

✅ Correct: They are moving toward the goal.

💡 Tip: Always specify what the movement is directed at.

Using incorrect preposition

❌ Wrong: They move to the change.

✅ Correct: They move toward the change.

💡 Tip: Use 'toward' to show direction or aim.

Practice

MOVE TOWARD - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The ship moved toward the distant island, navigating carefully through the fog.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
2
Listen to example

As the team moved toward their target, they adjusted their strategies for better efficiency.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
3
Listen to example

He moved toward the podium with confidence, prepared to deliver his speech.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

approach advance toward

Antonyms

move away

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The children ___ toward the playground with excitement."

move to

move toward

moves into

move up

In Context

On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi set out on a pivotal journey known as the Salt March. He aimed to repeal the British salt tax by marching to the sea, symbolically breaking the laws imposing unfair taxes. As Gandhi and his followers moved toward the Arabian Sea town of Dandi, they traveled through hundreds of miles on foot. This non-violent protest attracted international attention, spotlighting the Indian independence movement. With each step, they moved toward a vision of a nation free from colonial rule. As they progressed, Gandhi's message of non-violence inspired thousands more to join, swelling their numbers. On April 6, Gandhi and the marchers reached Dandi. There, he defied the salt laws by lifting natural salt from the shore, marking a significant step in civil disobedience. This act of defiance resonated globally, moving the Indian populace toward greater unity and challenging British authority. The campaign altered the course of history, ultimately contributing significantly to India's independence 17 years later. Gandhi's endeavor illustrated a powerful movement toward justice, awakening the world to the potential of peaceful protest and civil rights.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Move Toward

What is the origin of move toward?

The phrase 'move toward' originates from the combination of the verb 'move,' derived from Latin 'movere,' meaning to set in motion, and 'toward,' an Old English term indicating direction or purpose. The phrase itself has evolved over time to describe directional or intentional progress.

Can move toward be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'move toward' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it suitable for work-related goals or casual conversations about progress and direction. It effectively conveys the idea of advancing toward any aim.

What is the difference between move toward and approach?

'Move toward' and 'approach' can be similar but 'approach' often implies getting closer while 'move toward' indicates progress without specifying distance. 'Approach' is sometimes more formal or final, whereas 'move toward' can be used for gradual progress.

Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

MOVE TOWARD - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Move Toward

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega