a lovely move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lovely move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a pleasant or admirable action, often in contexts like sports, games, or social interactions. Example: "That was a lovely move on the chessboard, catching your opponent off guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The first certainly was, an unforgivable gift; the second, though, was a lovely move.

The Guardian - Sport

That's a lovely move, and so unlucky for the Celtic midfielder.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a lovely move, though, and probably should have been a goal.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a lovely move but the defender's intrusion means Carroll still hasn't had a shot to save.

The Guardian - Sport

Following a lovely move down the right involving several players, Hayden charged into the area and centred.

The Guardian - Sport

Eden Hazard finished a lovely move in the first half; Daniel Sturridge reminded us of his sublime talent with a breathtaking late equaliser.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"He's a lovely moving horse and the day he won in Leopardstown last year on good ground, my saddle slipped.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Lee's new movie sets the story of a convicted drug dealer's last night of freedom against the backdrop of post-9/11 New York, and while the story doesn't entirely cohere or mesh with the setting, the film works as a lovely, moving succession of moods, sounds and images.

The New York Times

Cather contemporary L.M. Montgomery is primarily known for Anne of Green Gables -- a lovely, moving, funny story about a whip-smart orphan girl who finds a family.

Huffington Post

Top keeping, but a lovely flowing move from the champions.

The Guardian - Sport

Burrow was another player making a point, scoring from George Burgess' pass after a lovely handling move.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lovely move" to describe a specific, well-executed action, especially in sports or other competitive contexts where skill and strategy are involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a lovely move" in highly formal or academic writing; it may sound too informal or subjective. Opt for more objective and precise language to describe actions or strategies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lovely move" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "lovely" modifies the noun "move". It describes an action or maneuver that is considered pleasing or admirable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lovely move" is a noun phrase used to express admiration or approval for a skillful or elegant action. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in sports reporting and general media. While its register is generally neutral, it's best to avoid it in very formal or academic contexts. Alternatives like "a beautiful play" or "an elegant maneuver" can be used to convey similar sentiments. Understanding its appropriate usage and context will help ensure clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a beautiful play

Emphasizes the aesthetic quality and skillful execution of the action.

an elegant maneuver

Highlights the gracefulness and precision of the action.

a skillful tactic

Focuses on the strategic and clever aspect of the action.

a delightful action

Conveys a sense of pleasure and enjoyment derived from the action.

a commendable effort

Acknowledges the praiseworthy and admirable nature of the action.

an impressive strategy

Underscores the effectiveness and impact of the planned action.

a splendid achievement

Highlights the successful outcome and remarkable nature of the action.

a remarkable feat

Emphasizes the difficulty and extraordinary aspect of the accomplished action.

a brilliant stroke

Implies a sudden, clever and successful action.

a polished performance

Highlights the refinement and excellence in the execution of the action.

FAQs

How can "a lovely move" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a lovely move" to describe a well-executed action, for example, "That was "a lovely move" during the chess match."

What are some alternatives to saying "a lovely move"?

Alternatives include "a beautiful play", "an elegant maneuver", or "a skillful tactic", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a lovely move" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a lovely move" might be considered too informal for academic or professional writing. More objective phrases may be better suited.

What makes a move "lovely"?

A "lovely" move typically implies that the action was executed with skill, grace, and effectiveness, resulting in a pleasing or admirable outcome. It often carries a subjective connotation of appreciation.