edging forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "edging forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual movement or progression towards a goal or position, often implying a sense of caution or deliberation. Example: "As the deadline approached, the team was edging forward with their project, making small but steady improvements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

But it keeps edging forward.

The Economist

He starts again, cautiously edging forward.

The Guardian - Tech

And that might have the happy side-effect of edging forward Northern Ireland's stalled peace process.

The Economist

But he offended by challenging the party's cautious edging forward towards reform.

The Guardian

A person familiar with the process told the Guardian: "It is edging forward and now feels tantalisingly close".

The Guardian

From there, this disturbingly clever drama divulges its secrets through serial flashbacks and multiple points of view, edging forward, then backing up in repetitive hiccups.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Plans to build fast reactors that could burn pure plutonium have been edging forwards for years.

Nature

Outside the Rescue Rooms in Nottingham, the Saturday afternoon queue is edging forwards at a glacial pace.

The Guardian - Music

I edge forward, desperate to carry on.

The New York Times - Health

Celtic soon began to edge forward with growing confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

The driver at the front of the line, Daniel Crew, bristled and edged forward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add more color to your work, consider when you can use "edging forward" to denote not only literal motion, but metaphorical slow advancements.

Common error

While "edging forward" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal documents where more direct terms like "advancing" or "progressing" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "edging forward" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate in a clause. It describes the action of moving or progressing gradually and cautiously. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Sport

8%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science & Research

2%

Academia

2%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "edging forward" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes a gradual and often cautious movement or progression. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to convey a sense of slow, deliberate advancement suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to casual conversation. While alternatives like "inching ahead" or "gradually advancing" exist, "edging forward" uniquely emphasizes the tentative nature of the progress. Remember to use it judiciously in highly formal settings, opting for more direct terms when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inching ahead

Focuses on small, almost imperceptible progress.

gradually advancing

Emphasizes the slowness and steadiness of the movement.

slowly progressing

Highlights the lack of speed in the advancement.

making headway

Implies overcoming obstacles while moving forward.

creeping onward

Suggests a cautious or stealthy forward movement.

pushing forward slowly

Highlights effort and resistance during progression.

making slow progress

Underlines the limited rate of development.

advancing incrementally

Emphasizes that it is a step-by-step progression.

moving bit by bit

It implies a fragmentary or piecemeal approach to advancement.

developing gradually

Focuses on the unfolding or evolving nature of the progress.

FAQs

How to use "edging forward" in a sentence?

You can use "edging forward" to describe a gradual movement or progression, for example: "The company is "edging forward" with its new product line despite the challenges."

What can I say instead of "edging forward"?

You can use alternatives like "inching ahead", "gradually advancing", or "slowly progressing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "edging forward" or "moving forward"?

Both "edging forward" and "moving forward" are correct, but "edging forward" implies a more cautious and gradual approach.

What's the difference between "edging forward" and "pushing ahead"?

"Edging forward" suggests a slow, careful advance, while "pushing ahead" implies a more forceful and determined effort to progress, potentially against resistance.