The ball is rolling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The ball is rolling" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that a process has started or is in motion. For example, "Now that we have the funding, the ball is rolling on the new project." Alternative expressions include "The process has begun" and "Things are in motion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"The ball is rolling good on the greens.

The New York Times - Sports

"The ball is rolling," Louis Susman, Mr. Kerry's national finance chairman, said.

The New York Times

The ball is rolling; does Blair have friends in the House sufficient to stop it?

The Guardian

; The ball is rolling.

Forbes

"The ball is rolling now," says Gayle, in large part because women in developing nations are "grasping the power they have and [understand] what they can do, and they're going to stand up".

Forbes

The ball is rolling, but we can't stop now - thank you for helping me make a difference, and I won't stop if you don't.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The ball was rolling.

The New York Times

But, once the ball was rolling, there was no way I could stop it.

The New Yorker

But goal-kicks were one thing, open play another, and once the ball was rolling, Spain usually played their way through or round.

The Guardian - Sport

In 1994 they bought the Beaux-Arts mansion, designed in 1914 by Carrère & Hastings, architects of the New York Public Library, and the ball was rolling.

The New York Times - Arts

The ball was rolling slowly in short center, the Yankees' first hit with a runner in scoring position in 26 innings, and Sojo thought Posada would score easily.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "The ball is rolling" to indicate that an initiative or project has begun and is actively progressing. It implies forward movement and suggests that efforts are underway to achieve a desired outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "The ball is rolling" to describe a situation that is stagnant or inactive. Ensure that the context clearly indicates ongoing progress and active engagement rather than mere potential or anticipation.

Linguistic Context

"The ball is rolling" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that a process or activity has commenced and is progressing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples show its application in various contexts, from project initiation to political campaigns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "The ball is rolling" effectively conveys that a process or project has started and is making progress. Ludwig AI validates its correct grammatical standing and usability. It is frequently used in news and media, as well as in Wiki and Scientific sources, displaying a neutral register. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "the process has commenced" might be more appropriate. Remember, using it accurately means portraying genuine forward movement and preventing misinterpretations of stagnation. The phrase enjoys common usage, making it a useful addition to your vocabulary for indicating ongoing progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Things are underway

Emphasizes the commencement of an activity, focusing on the fact that it has started.

Progress is being made

Highlights the advancement and development of a process or project.

Momentum is building

Suggests an increasing pace and energy behind an activity.

Things are in motion

Focuses on the active state of affairs, indicating that things are happening.

The wheels are turning

Implies that the necessary mechanisms are engaged to achieve a result.

Action is being taken

Highlights the proactive measures implemented to drive progress.

The process has begun

Simply states that the initial phase of a process is complete.

The project is advancing

Specifically refers to the forward movement of a planned endeavor.

The initiative is progressing

Indicates that an undertaking is moving forward towards its goals.

We're off to a good start

Suggests a positive commencement and favorable prospects for future development.

FAQs

How can I use "The ball is rolling" in a sentence?

You can use "The ball is rolling" to indicate that a process or project has started and is progressing. For example, "Now that we have secured funding, "the ball is rolling" on the construction project".

What are some alternatives to saying "The ball is rolling"?

Alternatives include "things are underway", "progress is being made", or "momentum is building" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "The ball is rolling" in formal writing?

While "The ball is rolling" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "the process has commenced" or "the project is advancing" may be more suitable for academic or business contexts.

What does it mean when someone says "The ball is rolling"?

When someone says "The ball is rolling", it means that a plan, project, or activity has started and is moving forward. It implies that progress is being made and things are in motion.