forging ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

'forging ahead' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is making progress toward a goal, and is determined to continue doing so despite any obstacles. For example, "Steve is forging ahead on his project despite the setbacks he has encountered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were forging ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, firms are forging ahead.

The New York Times

Some states are still forging ahead.

The Economist

Catch-up is easier than forging ahead.

The New York Times

But the coalition is forging ahead.

The New York Times

On Thursday, some fishermen were forging ahead.

The New York Times

In the meantime, though, he's forging ahead.

The New Yorker

Undaunted, the festival is forging ahead.

The New York Times - Arts

Meanwhile, other transit systems are forging ahead.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, auto executives are forging ahead.

The New York Times

"Our focus will be on forging ahead".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forging ahead" to convey a sense of determination and progress despite encountering obstacles. It's suitable when you want to emphasize resilience and forward momentum.

Common error

Avoid using "forging ahead" in overly casual or informal contexts. While generally acceptable, it leans towards a slightly more formal tone than everyday conversation. Consider alternatives like "moving on" or "pushing forward" for less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "forging ahead" is as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle used in continuous verb tenses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an ongoing action of making progress. Examples in Ludwig show its use to describe companies, individuals, and even countries progressing towards a goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "forging ahead" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of making progress with determination, especially when facing challenges. As Ludwig AI explains, it's suitable for emphasizing resilience and forward momentum. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals that it appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Business contexts, and is slightly formal. Consider alternatives like "moving forward" or "pressing on" for slightly more informal settings. When using "forging ahead", ensure that you aim to convey a sense of progress amid obstacles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving forward

This alternative is a general term for advancing, lacking the connotation of overcoming obstacles.

pressing on

This alternative emphasizes persistence and determination in the face of difficulty.

pushing forward

This alternative suggests a strong effort to advance, highlighting the exertion of force or will.

making headway

This alternative refers to progress being made, often in a challenging situation.

gaining ground

This alternative implies improving one's position relative to others or overcoming a deficit.

proceeding

This alternative means continuing with a plan or action, lacking the sense of overcoming obstacles.

advancing

This alternative is a formal term for moving forward, often used in a strategic context.

progressing

This alternative is a general term for making progress, without specific connotations.

making progress

This alternative is a straightforward description of advancement, lacking the nuance of overcoming challenges.

continuing onward

This alternative emphasizes the act of continuing a journey or process.

FAQs

How can I use "forging ahead" in a sentence?

You can use "forging ahead" to describe someone or something making progress despite challenges. For example, "Despite the setbacks, the company is "forging ahead" with its new product launch".

What are some alternatives to "forging ahead"?

Some alternatives to "forging ahead" include "moving forward", "pressing on", and "pushing forward". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "forge ahead" the same as "forging ahead"?

"Forge ahead" is the base verb phrase, while "forging ahead" is the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses (e.g., "They are "forging ahead"").

What does it mean to say someone is "forging ahead"?

Saying someone is "forging ahead" means they are making progress and continuing to move forward, especially when facing difficulties or opposition. It implies determination and resilience.