Forge ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Forge ahead" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to encourage someone to continue moving forward or to make progress despite obstacles or challenges. Example: "Despite the setbacks we faced, we must forge ahead with our plans for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We can only forge ahead.

The New Yorker

Stop the presses, or forge ahead?

The New Yorker

We will just forge ahead as planned".

The New York Times

But I suspect you'll forge ahead anyway.

The Guardian

Opposition activists vowed to forge ahead.

The Guardian

San Francisco plans to forge ahead regardless.

The New York Times

Orlando City are determined to forge ahead.

The Guardian - Sport

But Sage has been preparing to forge ahead.

The New York Times

To forge ahead on Don't Ask Don't Tell?

The New Yorker

Now Mr Abe must forge ahead with the reforms.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I forged ahead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Forge ahead" when you want to emphasize a sense of momentum or the act of moving forward in spite of significant obstacles, doubts or challenges. It is particularly effective in motivational or leadership contexts.

Common error

Avoid confusing the query with the verb "forage". While "Forge ahead" means to make progress, "forage ahead" would imply searching for food or provisions in a forward direction, which is rarely the intended meaning in professional writing.

Linguistic Context

"Forge ahead" functions primarily as an intransitive phrasal verb, though it is frequently extended with the preposition "with" to take an object. In the Ludwig database, it is often seen describing strategic decisions or organizational movements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academic

3%

Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "Forge ahead" is a robust and versatile phrasal verb that signifies progress in the face of obstacles. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and very common expression used across diverse fields from top-tier journalism to scientific research. Whether you are describing a corporate strategy or a personal goal, using "Forge ahead" adds a layer of determination and grit to your writing. It is distinct from simpler alternatives like "move forward" by emphasizing the effort required to maintain speed. To avoid common pitfalls, ensure you do not confuse it with the food-related "forage" and use it when a sense of decisive action is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

press on

Suggests continuing despite fatigue or growing difficulty.

push forward

Implies a more active or physical effort to overcome resistance.

move forward

A more neutral and generic way to describe progress.

plow ahead

Indicates a forceful or sometimes reckless movement through obstacles.

proceed

A formal alternative typically used in administrative or official contexts.

advance

Often used in military, tactical or career-related contexts.

persist

Focuses more on the psychological endurance than the physical movement.

carry on

Refers to continuing an activity after an interruption or pause.

march on

Evokes a steady, rhythmic and collective sense of progress.

soldier on

Emphasizes continuing in the face of significant hardship or suffering.

FAQs

What does it mean to forge ahead in a sentence?

In English, "Forge ahead" means to move forward quickly or make steady progress with a plan. You might use it as an alternative to "move forward" or "press on" when describing a situation with some resistance.

Is it correct to say forge ahead with?

Yes, it is very common to use the prepositional phrase "with" after the query. For example: "The company decided to "proceed" with the project" can be written as "The company decided to "Forge ahead" with the project" to add a sense of determination.

What are the best synonyms for forge ahead?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "press on", "push forward", "advance" or "continue". Each carries a slightly different nuance of speed and effort.

What is the difference between forge ahead and forge on?

Both are similar, but "Forge ahead" often implies a clear direction or a goal in the future, whereas "forge on" emphasizes the act of continuing current efforts despite exhaustion or difficulty.