can move forwards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can move forwards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the ability to progress or advance in a situation or context. Example: "After discussing the issues, we can move forwards with the project now that we have a clear plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The dancers can move forwards, backwards or sideways: no diagonals.

Independent

Thus the coal drill pipe can move forwards and backwards (Fig. 3b).

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

They need the green light from the president and his advisor, Cheikh Ould Baya, before they can move forwards.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I can move forward".

The New Yorker

"This city can move forward".

The New York Times

"But we can move forward without it".

The New York Times

The Jets can move forward now.

The New York Times - Sports

"Now the team can move forward, and I can move forward.

The New York Times - Sports

He added, "I'm hopeful this process can move forward".

The New York Times

"Japan must acknowledge its past before it can move forward".

Independent

"Now we need to see if we can move forward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can move forwards", ensure the context clearly implies progression or advancement in a specific direction or process. Avoid redundancy by considering if "can move forward" suffices.

Common error

Many times, using "forwards" after "move" is redundant. Consider whether "can move forward" is sufficient, as it often conveys the same meaning more concisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can move forwards" functions primarily as a modal phrase indicating possibility or permission to progress or advance. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can move forwards" is grammatically correct, albeit less common than its shorter counterpart "can move forward". Ludwig's AI confirms its usability, indicating it's suitable for expressing the ability to progress or advance. While primarily found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its redundancy should be carefully considered in favor of the more concise "can move forward" in many situations. While its usage is correct, it is far more common to see "can move forward".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can advance forward

Replaces "move" with "advance" and retains the adverb "forward", slightly altering the tone and emphasizing progress.

can progress ahead

Substitutes "move" with "progress" and uses "ahead", emphasizing forward movement and development.

can proceed onwards

Replaces "move" with "proceed" and uses "onwards", implying a continuation of a journey or process.

can make headway

Uses the idiomatic expression "make headway" instead of "move forwards", suggesting gradual progress.

can push onward

Replaces "move" with "push" and uses "onward", suggesting effort and determination in moving forward.

can develop further

Focuses on the idea of further development rather than physical movement.

can continue ahead

Emphasizes the continuation aspect of moving forward.

can evolve further

Implies a more gradual and natural process of moving forward.

can take the next step

Focuses on a single, specific action that enables forward movement.

can improve gradually

Highlights the aspect of gradual improvement over time rather than immediate movement.

FAQs

What does "can move forwards" mean?

The phrase "can move forwards" means to have the ability or permission to progress, advance, or continue in a certain direction or towards a specific goal. It suggests that obstacles have been cleared or that the necessary conditions are in place to proceed.

Is it better to say "can move forward" or "can move forwards"?

While both are grammatically correct, "can move forward" is generally preferred due to its conciseness and wider usage. "Can move forwards" is slightly less common and can sometimes sound redundant.

What are some alternatives to "can move forwards"?

You can use alternatives like "can advance forward", "can progress ahead", or "can proceed onwards" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How to use "can move forwards" in a sentence?

You can use "can move forwards" to express the ability to proceed after a delay or resolution. For example, "Now that the agreement is signed, we can move forwards with the project" or "With the new evidence, the investigation can move forwards."