Advance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Advance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to moving forward, making progress, or promoting something. Example: "We need to advance our project timeline to meet the upcoming deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is not sensible to talk about this work publicly, in advance.

The Guardian - Business

Chief executives of companies such as Burberry, Tesco, Vodafone, BAE Systems, Prudential and GSK were keen to take a final opportunity to lobby the prime minister in advance of the meeting of political leaders in Northern Ireland.

The Guardian - Tech

Some may ask for rent in advance while others will require a lump sum of money to be returned providing the house is well kept Read it back-to-front and get your university's student advice service or student union to check it over.

The Guardian

ITV says this was the work of an "experienced editorial panel" and they will not be seen by the leaders in advance.

The Guardian

"I wasn't surprised about Ukip's advance.

The Guardian

It allows them to see evidence in advance of it being aired at the inquiry and to seek to cross-examine witnesses.

The Guardian

It's already booked months in advance with critics falling over themselves to dish out the plaudits.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"One country alone cannot call into question the desire of the others to continue to advance together".

The Guardian

(Mohamad Ajub, 22, a farmer from Ghazni province) "My house was confiscated by a Chechen jihadi after the advance of the Islamic State through Riqa".

The Guardian

To quote just one: "So here is a specific and valuable advance in knowledge that could only have been attained by experimentation on animals that closely resemble us; experiments which are, as far as we can tell, almost painless".

The Guardian

It's deservedly popular (Moorish and moreish), so book well in advance.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Advance" in formal writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as progress, promotion, or providing something ahead of time. Choose synonyms carefully to ensure the meaning aligns with your intent.

Common error

Avoid using "Advance" too frequently in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "go forward" or "move ahead" may sound more natural and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Advance" varies depending on its usage; it can function as a verb to denote movement or progress, a noun referring to a forward movement or a sum paid early, or an adjective signifying something preceding. As shown in the Ludwig examples, its versatility allows it to fit various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Travel

7%

Lifestyle

7%

Sport

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Advance" is a versatile term frequently used in English to indicate movement, progress, or early provision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalence across various contexts, especially in news, business, and scientific domains. While highly versatile, it's important to choose the appropriate synonym based on the specific nuance you wish to convey, and to avoid overuse in informal contexts. Considering the related phrases such as "move forward" and "make progress" can help to enhance writing clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Move forward

Focuses on the action of progressing, emphasizing movement.

Make progress

Highlights the achievement of improvement or development.

Press onward

Suggests continued effort despite challenges or obstacles.

Go ahead

Implies permission or authorization to proceed.

Step up

Indicates an increase in effort or responsibility.

Forge ahead

Emphasizes determination and speed in making progress.

Push forward

Stresses the exertion of force or effort to continue.

Gain ground

Focuses on achieving a positional or competitive advantage.

Progress further

Highlights additional development or advancement.

Make headway

Refers to overcoming resistance or difficulties to progress.

FAQs

How is "Advance" typically used in a sentence?

The term "Advance" can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective. As a verb, it means to move forward or make progress. As a noun, it refers to forward movement or a sum of money paid early. As an adjective, it describes something that is done or given earlier than usual.

What are some alternatives to "Advance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "move forward", "make progress", "proceed", or "further".

Is it correct to say "in advance of" or "before"?

Both "in advance of" and "before" are correct, but "in advance of" is often used in more formal contexts to indicate something done or prepared ahead of time.

What's the difference between "advance" and "advancement"?

"Advance" (as a verb) means to move forward, while "advancement" (as a noun) refers to the act or process of moving forward or improving. For example, "We need to advance our project timeline" versus "The advancement of technology has improved our lives".