drive things forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"drive things forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone is actively pursuing progress, taking initiative, or creating momentum. For example: He has been a leader in our organization, driving things forward and making necessary changes to improve our processes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It's national [politics] that drive things forward.

University of California, Berkeley

It's the creative experiments that drive things forward".

The New York Times

The captaincy is important to the media but you need a group of senior players to drive things forward".

The Guardian - Sport

"Justin can drive things forward here because he has an incredibly digital sensibility with a unique understanding of the confluence of journalism and multiple platforms".

The New York Times

And it [G20] found it hard apart from in London, and before that in Washington, in the midst of the financial crisis to actually agree anything much in substance to drive things forward.

The Guardian

It's interesting, having sat in a few G20 meetings and G8 meetings; the G8 was small enough to reach decisions and drive things forward; with the G20, there are so many around the table.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"I'm under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge that we will face but I have taken it on knowing that there is a collective desire to drive things forwards". Croft is Glamorgan's fourth leading wicket-taker of all-time with 1,175 wickets and was part of their golden era that included their County Championship win in 1997 and three Sunday league titles in 1993, 2002 and 2004.

BBC

It would be good if it could be made to look like a good investment for some private companies... after all, that's what drives things forward fastest.

BBC

Empathy is the fuel that drives things forward.

Huffington Post

They just drove the thing forward.

The New Yorker

Anything to move things forward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing collaborative efforts, "drive things forward" is useful to highlight the collective momentum.

Common error

Avoid using "drive things forward" when describing situations where progress occurs without active intervention. This phrase implies intentional effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drive things forward" functions as a verb phrase that signifies initiating or accelerating progress. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to express the act of actively pursuing advancement or creating momentum. The provided examples demonstrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drive things forward" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for initiating or accelerating progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the idea of active pursuit and contribution. It is suitable for diverse contexts, including news, academia, and business. When writing, remember to use this phrase to describe situations where active leadership is involved, as opposed to passive progress. Consider related phrases like "propel progress" or "advance development" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

propel progress

Focuses on the act of pushing forward, highlighting the element of force and momentum.

advance development

Specifically targets development, implying improvements and growth.

foster advancement

Highlights creating an environment that enables progress, emphasizing support and nurturing.

spur momentum

Emphasizes initiating or accelerating existing momentum.

catalyze progress

Focuses on acting as a catalyst to accelerate the rate of progress.

spearhead initiatives

Highlights taking a leading role in new endeavors and projects.

boost advancement

Focuses on enhancing or increasing the speed of advancement.

stimulate growth

Emphasizes growth as the key outcome being propelled.

accelerate the pace

Focuses on making things faster and increasing the rate of progress.

push onward

Implies determination and persistence in continuing to advance despite obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "drive things forward" in a sentence?

You can use "drive things forward" to describe actions that are progressing a project, initiative, or goal. For example, "Her leadership helped to drive things forward and achieve the company's objectives".

What are some alternatives to "drive things forward"?

Some alternatives to "drive things forward" include "propel progress", "advance development", or "foster advancement", depending on the specific context.

Is "drive things forward" formal or informal?

"Drive things forward" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in business, news, and academic settings.

What's the best way to "drive things forward" in my career?

To "drive things forward" in your career, take initiative, seek out new opportunities, and consistently contribute to your team's goals. Networking and continuous learning are also key.