Move in the right direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Move in the right direction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing progress or making positive changes towards a goal or objective. Example: "After implementing the new strategies, we are finally starting to move in the right direction with our sales figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Move in the right direction one foot at a time.

WikiHow

It does move in the right direction.

The New York Times

That doesn't always mean you move in the right direction.

The New York Times

"Many countries want to move in the right direction.

The Guardian

"It continues to move in the right direction, but I hope it continues to move faster".

The New York Times

Hopefully trade and employment figures will continue to move in the right direction.

The Economist

The pulsing single "Move in the Right Direction," is aptly named.

The New York Times - Arts

"We can't change the industry over night but we can move in the right direction".

The Guardian - Tech

But I really think things are beginning to move in the right direction.

The Guardian - Music

At the M.T.A., Katherine Lapp, the executive director, appears ready to move in the right direction.

The New York Times

How true, although it always helps if you move in the right direction.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Move in the right direction" to convey a sense of optimism and progress, particularly when discussing strategic changes or improvements over time.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "Move in the right direction" excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler expressions might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Move in the right direction" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating action or progress. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples of its use in describing positive advancements, reflecting its primary function as an indicator of improvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Move in the right direction" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating progress or positive change. Grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, it conveys optimism and encouragement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to describe positive advancements, making it suitable for news, professional, and general discourse. While versatile, using it judiciously in informal contexts is advisable. The availability of alternatives like "progressing positively" or "on the right track" allows for nuanced expression depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Progressing positively

Focuses more directly on the act of progressing and adds an adverb to underline the positive sentiment.

On the right track

Indicates alignment with a correct course of action.

Heading the right way

Emphasizes the direction of movement, implying alignment with a desired path.

Making headway

Implies overcoming obstacles while moving forward.

Showing positive development

Highlights observable positive changes or growth.

Gaining ground

Suggests advancement and the accumulation of advantages.

Taking a turn for the better

Suggests a change from a negative to a positive state.

Advancing appropriately

Highlights progress in a manner considered suitable or correct.

Improving steadily

Focuses on continuous improvement over time.

Evolving favorably

Implies gradual and beneficial transformation.

FAQs

How can I use "Move in the right direction" in a sentence?

You can use "Move in the right direction" to describe progress or positive changes. For example, "After implementing the new policies, the company is finally starting to "move in the right direction"."

What are some alternatives to "Move in the right direction"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "progressing positively", "heading the right way", or "on the right track".

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "Move in the right direction"?

While generally appropriate, consider the formality of the context. In very informal settings, simpler language might be preferable. However, it's suitable for most professional and news-related contexts.

What does it mean when someone says something is "a move in the right direction"?

It means that a particular action or decision is seen as a positive step towards a desired goal or outcome, even if it's not a complete solution.