forward on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forward on" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It is not commonly used, but if intended, it could imply moving ahead or progressing in a specific direction or context. Example: "We need to move forward on this project to meet our deadlines."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Roaring forward on the counter.

The New York Times

"We really should move forward on this".

The New York Times

Slid forward on his belly.

The New Yorker

I am looking forward on this issue.

The New York Times

The men leaned forward on stools.

The New York Times

Congress should move forward on other remedies.

The New York Times

We're moving forward on the transition.

The New York Times

He perches further forward on the couch.

The Guardian - Film

Suddenly, hopes of a leap forward on immigration are rising.

The Economist

Everybody crawled forward on all fours in a human chain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Fashion forward On a lighter note, think about shoes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement or direction, evaluate if the "on" adds necessary context or if "forward" alone is sufficient.

Common error

Avoid adding "on" after "forward" unless it is part of a phrasal verb or prepositional phrase with a specific meaning. The unnecessary addition can make the sentence sound awkward or grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forward on" typically functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating direction or progression in conjunction with a verb. Ludwig suggests that the phrase might not always be grammatically correct, advocating for simpler alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "forward on" is frequently used but often considered grammatically questionable, as indicated by Ludwig. Its primary function is to denote movement or progress. Ludwig suggests that while "forward on" appears in diverse sources, including news and media, its use can frequently be improved by opting for simpler and clearer alternatives such as ""move forward"", ""onward"", or ""ahead"". Choosing these alternatives enhances conciseness and grammatical accuracy, particularly in formal writing contexts. As Ludwig underscores, the context should determine whether the "on" adds necessary meaning, or if it's redundant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move forward

A common verb phrase indicating progress or advancement.

proceed with

Suggests a continuation of a course of action, often implying a formal process.

onward

A single-word adverb meaning 'in a forward direction' or 'ahead'.

ahead

Indicates movement in a forward direction, either physically or metaphorically, and is often interchangeable with "forward".

continue with

Emphasizes the unbroken sequence of an action or activity.

advance on

Implies movement towards a specific target or objective.

go ahead with

Suggests permission or readiness to start or continue something.

press on

Suggests continuing despite difficulties or obstacles.

progress on

Highlights advancement or development in a particular area.

forge ahead

Indicates forceful and determined progress.

FAQs

What does "forward on" mean?

The phrase "forward on" is not always grammatically correct and its meaning can vary depending on context. It often means to advance or progress in a particular direction. Consider using simpler alternatives like "move forward" or "proceed with" for clarity.

Is it correct to say "move forward on"?

While sometimes used, "move forward on" can often be simplified to just "move forward". The addition of "on" isn't always necessary and can make the phrase sound awkward. For example, "We need to move forward on this project" can be shortened to "We need to move forward with this project".

What are some alternatives to "forward on"?

Alternatives to "forward on" include "ahead", "onward", "continue with", or simply "forward" depending on the context. Each of these alternatives provides a more concise and grammatically sound way to express the intended meaning.

How can I avoid using "forward on" incorrectly?

To avoid using "forward on" incorrectly, always consider whether the "on" is necessary. If you can remove it without changing the meaning, it's best to do so. Instead, opt for clearer and more direct phrasing like "move ahead" or "press on" depending on what you wish to communicate.