could not move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is unable to change position or location, often due to physical constraints or emotional states. Example: "After the accident, he could not move his legs, leaving him in a state of shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I could not move.

The New York Times

"Koscielny could not move.

Independent

Suddenly, she could not move her hand.

The New Yorker

They just could not move up.

The New York Times - Sports

Houston could not move well.

The New York Times - Sports

"Downtown, you could not move!

The New York Times

My father could not move.

The Guardian - Sport

could not move forward without Markit's agreement.

The New York Times

I could not move any more.

The Guardian

But now he often could not move to them.

The New York Times

He could not move half of his body at all.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's physical state, use "could not move" to emphasize paralysis, injury or constraint, providing a clear image of their immobility.

Common error

Avoid using "could not move" literally when you intend a figurative meaning. For example, instead of saying "The project could not move forward", use "The project stalled" or "The project was delayed" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not move" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, indicating an inability to perform the action of moving. Ludwig AI shows examples of its use in describing physical limitations, constraints, or obstacles preventing movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could not move" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the inability to change position or progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedia contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it conveys a clear and informative message about a state of immobility or restriction. When using this phrase, be mindful of whether you intend it literally or figuratively, ensuring your word choice aligns with your intended meaning. Alternatives like "was unable to budge" or "remained immobile" can be considered for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unable to budge

Replaces "move" with "budge", implying a slight shift in tone to indicate stubbornness or resistance.

remained immobile

Uses more formal language, indicating a complete lack of movement.

was frozen in place

Implies a sudden inability to move, often due to fear or surprise.

couldn't be displaced

Focuses on the inability to be moved by an external force.

was stuck fast

Suggests being firmly fixed and unable to be freed.

met an immovable obstacle

Shifts the focus to an external barrier preventing movement.

made no progress

Highlights the lack of advancement rather than physical movement.

failed to advance

Emphasizes the inability to move forward, either physically or figuratively.

was held back

Suggests an external force or circumstance hindering movement.

ceased all motion

Formally states the complete stop of any movement.

FAQs

How can I use "could not move" in a sentence?

The phrase "could not move" is used to describe an inability to change position. For example, "After the accident, he "could not move" his legs" or "The crowd was so dense that people "could not move" around".

What can I say instead of "could not move"?

You can use alternatives like "was unable to budge", "remained immobile", or "was frozen in place" depending on the specific context of the sentence. For instance, if something is blocking the way, you might say it "met an immovable obstacle".

Which is correct, "could not move" or "was not able to move"?

Both "could not move" and "was not able to move" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Could not move" is often more concise and direct, while "was not able to move" may be used for emphasis or in more formal contexts.

What's the difference between "could not move" and "would not move"?

"Could not move" indicates an inability to move, whereas "would not move" suggests a refusal to move or a lack of willingness. For example, "He "could not move" because of his injury", versus "He "would not move" despite repeated requests".