driving things forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"driving things forward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is actively propelling something else in a specific direction. For example, "The CEO is driving things forward at their company with his innovative ideas and strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Simons always seemed to be driving things forward.

The Guardian

"Government spending is clearly a negative, but the reason why it's such a strong negative is because there's nothing else in the private sector really driving things forward".

The New York Times

By leadership, I don't just mean that they took the initiative in getting the process off the ground, securing the necessary buy-in and driving things forward.

The Guardian

I think it's going to take a while for Hollywood to accept and embrace black protagonists not as subservient but as leaders, as heroes, as in the centre of their own narrative, driving things forward.

The Guardian - Film

Collins noted the importance of app stores from Google and Apple in driving things forward, but warned children's firms not to over-estimate their ability to help solve these business challenges.

The Guardian - Tech

"I've been really pleased with the senior players that are driving things forward.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But something else, hard to discern, was driving things.

The New York Times

"Feedback is what's driving things," he says.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

— I just do the driving thing.

The New Yorker

He said yesterday that the leaders' rhetoric hid "several of the motives which are actually driving the thing forward.

The Guardian

Every time we get the lead character and what their reasoning in the world is, if we're doing a good job and it's the right thing, the rest of it… I mean, maybe the ending needs some work and some of the things driving it forward – but the overall feel of the story should feel very organic to us.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "driving things forward", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being advanced or progressed. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "driving things forward" in excessively general contexts where the specific area of progress is unclear. Vague usage diminishes the phrase's impact and may confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driving things forward" primarily functions as a verbal phrase used to describe the act of actively promoting or advancing progress. This usage is consistent with examples provided by Ludwig, indicating its active and directional meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "driving things forward" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the act of actively promoting progress. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While relatively uncommon, its meaning is clear and its usage is consistent across different authoritative sources. Consider alternatives like "advancing matters" or "propelling progress" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

propelling progress

Highlights the act of forcefully moving progress ahead.

spearheading progress

Focuses on leading an initiative or movement aimed at achieving advancement.

advancing matters

Emphasizes the progression or promotion of a particular issue or situation.

championing progress

Suggests advocating for and supporting advancements and positive changes.

furthering initiatives

Focuses on the act of promoting and supporting specific projects or plans.

promoting development

Focuses on actively encouraging and supporting growth or progress.

catalyzing advancement

Suggests the act of initiating or accelerating positive change or development.

steering development

Highlights the guidance and direction given to ensure progress and growth.

facilitating advancement

Emphasizes making progress or development easier or more likely.

pushing boundaries

Implies challenging existing limits to achieve progress and innovation.

FAQs

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

You can use "driving things forward" to describe actions or individuals that are actively contributing to progress. For example, "The new CEO is "driving things forward" with innovative strategies."

What are some alternatives to "driving things forward"?

Some alternatives include "advancing matters", "propelling progress", or "furthering initiatives", depending on the context.

Is "driving things forward" formal or informal?

The phrase "driving things forward" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of the writing or conversation. It's generally considered neutral.

What's the difference between "driving things forward" and "pushing things forward"?

While both phrases suggest making progress, "driving things forward" implies a more proactive and forceful approach, whereas "pushing things forward" suggests overcoming resistance or obstacles.