for upward mobility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for upward mobility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing opportunities for advancement or improvement in social or economic status. Example: "Education is often seen as a key factor for upward mobility in society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

War offered opportunities for upward mobility.

The New Yorker

Lenù's story demonstrates this use of education for upward mobility.

The New Yorker

It is one of America's worst cities for upward mobility.

The Economist

"It's not the vehicle for upward mobility it once was".

The Economist

"It's kind of a metaphor for upward mobility," Ms. Wesley said.

The New York Times

What a convenient, all too convenient, conveyance for upward mobility in the arts.

The New York Times

What about status, self-respect, opportunities for upward mobility and political power?

The Washington Post

And then we have less of a chance for upward mobility.

Harvard Business Review

Manufacturing workers earned relatively generous wages and often benefited from opportunities for upward mobility.

Stanford University

For most Americans, access to credit is an essential requirement for upward mobility and financial success.

Yale University

Historically, America's education system has been the main avenue for upward mobility.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal progress, use "for upward mobility" to highlight opportunities for individuals to improve their social or economic standing through education, career advancement, or policy changes.

Common error

While "for upward mobility" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "getting ahead" or "improving your life" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for upward mobility" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, indicating purpose or benefit. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for upward mobility" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe opportunities and actions that promote advancement in social and economic standing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable phrase that is most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the register and choose simpler alternatives like "for social advancement" or "economic improvement" in more casual settings. When discussing policies or societal factors that contribute to individuals' progress, "for upward mobility" is a precise and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to advance socially and economically

Is a more detailed description of upward mobility.

for social advancement

Focuses specifically on improvement in social status.

for career progression

Highlights advancement specifically within a professional context.

for economic improvement

Emphasizes the financial aspect of getting ahead.

to climb the social ladder

Uses a metaphorical expression for improving social standing.

to achieve greater success

Focuses on general success as a result of advancement.

to improve one's prospects

Highlights better opportunities resulting from upward movement.

to move up in the world

Is an idiomatic expression for achieving higher social or economic status.

to better one's position

Focuses on improving one's standing in society or a profession.

to rise through the ranks

Suggests advancement within a structured hierarchy, like a company or organization.

FAQs

What does "for upward mobility" mean?

The phrase "for upward mobility" refers to actions, opportunities, or conditions that allow individuals to improve their social or economic standing. It's often associated with concepts like education, career advancement, and socioeconomic progress.

How can I use "for upward mobility" in a sentence?

You can use "for upward mobility" to describe factors that contribute to social and economic advancement. For example: "Education is often cited as a key factor "for upward mobility"."

What are some alternatives to "for upward mobility"?

Alternatives include phrases like "for social advancement", "for career progression", or "for economic improvement" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "for upward mobility" in all types of writing?

While generally acceptable, "for upward mobility" is more suited to formal and professional contexts. In casual settings, simpler phrases like "getting ahead" or "improving one's life" may be more appropriate.