can proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

"can proceed" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an action should be taken or that something should continue. For example, "We have all the necessary information, so we can proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You can proceed".

The New Yorker

The rescue operation can proceed.

The Economist

Now, my research can proceed.

The New York Times

Negotiation, of course, can proceed.

The New York Times

I hope it can proceed.

The New York Times

"Now the lawsuits can proceed," he said.

The New York Times

"Now we can proceed with the process".

The New York Times

Then a music-director search can proceed in earnest.

The New York Times - Arts

It must also vacate a street before redevelopment can proceed.

The New York Times

Questioning of subordinate figures can proceed, he ruled.

The New York Times

If this goes well, then you can proceed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can proceed", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or process is being advanced. For example, specify the project, task, or discussion that "can proceed".

Common error

Avoid using "can proceed" without a clear subject or context, as it may leave the reader unsure about what is being allowed to continue. Always clarify what "can proceed" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can proceed" functions as a verb phrase indicating permission, ability, or authorization to continue or move forward with a specific action or process. This aligns with examples provided by Ludwig, demonstrating its role in facilitating action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can proceed" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the permission or readiness to move forward with an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles. To ensure clarity, writers should specify the subject and context when using this phrase. Alternatives include "may continue" or "is permitted to go ahead". With these insights, you can confidently and effectively incorporate "can proceed" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may move forward

A direct substitute focusing on physical or metaphorical movement ahead.

may continue

Replaces 'can' with 'may', suggesting possibility rather than certainty.

is able to advance

Substitutes 'proceed' with 'advance', highlighting forward movement and uses 'is able' instead of 'can'.

is allowed to continue

Similar to "may continue" but with the implication of someone granting permission.

is permitted to go ahead

Replaces 'can proceed' with a more formal and explicit expression of permission.

has the green light to start

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey permission and initiation.

is authorized to act

Focuses on the authorization aspect, implying official approval to take action.

is set to progress

Emphasizes the planned or scheduled nature of the advancement.

is cleared to execute

Highlights the clearance or approval aspect before executing a task.

can make headway

Uses "make headway" in place of "proceed", focusing on creating a path to move forward.

FAQs

How can I use "can proceed" in a sentence?

You can use "can proceed" to indicate that an action is permitted to continue or move forward. For example, "Now that we have the approval, we "can proceed" with the project".

What's a more formal way to say "can proceed"?

A more formal alternative to "can proceed" is "is permitted to go ahead". This phrasing adds a layer of formality and explicitness, suitable for official communications.

Which is correct: "can proceed with" or "can proceed to"?

Both "can proceed with" and "can proceed to" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Can proceed with" implies continuing an existing action, while "can proceed to" suggests starting a new one.

What can I say instead of "can proceed" when providing encouragement?

If you're providing encouragement, you could use phrases like "may continue" or "is able to advance" to convey a sense of possibility and progress.