a move for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a move for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an action or initiative taken to achieve a specific goal or change, often in a political or organizational context. Example: "The committee has decided to make a move for increased funding to support local schools."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the man never made a move for a pocketbook.

The New York Times

Tottenham have been linked with a move for Wanyama.

The Guardian - Sport

Martínez was noncommittal on a move for the Holland international.

The Guardian - Sport

Successive administrations have debated such a move for decades.

The New York Times

It's not a move for show, and it's terrifying.

The New Yorker

Despite interest from across the continent, Allardyce appears to have finally completed a move for Traore.

Independent

Arsenal's intention to make a move for the goalkeeper was revealed in the Independent in April.

Independent

Dortmund believe a move for Bendtner does not fit in with their current philosophy.

Independent

Fulham have also been linked with a move for the out-of-favour Tottenham striker.

Independent

He also fought off a move for secession by the Valley.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I would have thought that a Bell would have made a move for Infonet," Grover says.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a move for" to clearly indicate an action or decision that is being taken to achieve a specific objective. It is particularly effective in contexts where strategy and planning are involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a move for" in overly casual or informal situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "an attempt to" or "trying to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a move for" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, often indicating an action or decision directed towards a specific purpose. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it precedes a noun phrase, clarifying the intent behind the action. For example, it can refer to a strategic action in sports or a business initiative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a move for" is a prepositional phrase commonly used to describe an action taken to achieve a specific goal or strategy. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly news, sports, and formal business settings. While it is a versatile phrase, it is best to avoid overuse in overly informal scenarios. Consider alternatives like "an action towards" or "a step towards" to add nuance to your writing. The prevalence of this phrase across diverse sources highlights its significance in expressing intention and calculated action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an action towards

Focuses on the action-oriented nature of the phrase, emphasizing the direction of the action.

an approach to

Emphasizes a specific method or way of dealing with something.

a step towards

Emphasizes progression and advancement towards a particular objective or destination.

an initiative regarding

Highlights the proactive and planned aspect of the phrase, implying a structured approach.

a drive toward

Highlights momentum and forceful action directed at achieving a specific outcome.

a pursuit of

Suggests actively seeking or striving to achieve something, adding a sense of chase.

a strategy concerning

Highlights the strategic or planned nature of the action, often in a formal setting.

an attempt at

Implies an effort made with uncertain success, focusing on the trying aspect.

an endeavor regarding

Stresses the effort and dedication involved, often used in more formal contexts.

a campaign for

Implies a sustained and organized effort to achieve a particular goal.

FAQs

How can I use "a move for" in a sentence?

You can use "a move for" to describe an action or initiative taken to achieve a specific goal, as in "The company made "a move for" expansion into new markets".

What are some alternatives to "a move for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an action towards", "an initiative regarding", or "a step towards" to convey a similar meaning to "a move for".

Is "a move for" formal or informal?

"A move for" tends to be neutral to formal, suitable for professional, news, and academic contexts. In very informal settings, simpler phrasing may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a move for" and "an attempt at"?

"A move for" generally implies a strategic or planned action, while "an attempt at" emphasizes the effort made, regardless of the outcome. "The team made "a move for" the championship" suggests a planned strategy, while "They made "an attempt at" winning" simply highlights the effort.