going ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

"going ahead" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to talk about taking initiative and moving forward with a project, plan, or decision. For example, "He decided to go ahead with the new product launch despite the risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They are now going ahead".

The New York Times

Everything's going ahead.

The New York Times - Books

The project is going ahead with modifications.

The Economist

Reforms are going ahead, albeit messily.

The Economist

But we're still going ahead.

The Guardian

"That's going ahead," he said.

The Guardian - Business

So they are going ahead together.

The New York Times

I strongly favour going ahead with fracking.

The Guardian

Going ahead would have been insane.

The New York Times

So let's aim even higher going ahead.

The New Yorker

"We are going ahead," the W.T.O.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going ahead" when you want to indicate that a plan, project, or event is proceeding as scheduled, especially after a period of uncertainty or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "going ahead" when you simply mean "starting" something new. "Going ahead" implies a continuation or a decision to proceed after some consideration or potential obstacle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going ahead" functions as a verb phrase, often serving as part of a continuous verb tense. It indicates that an action or plan is in progress or will continue to progress, often after a period of consideration or doubt. The examples provided by Ludwig confirm its role in expressing continuation and progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

7%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going ahead" is a versatile verb phrase used to signify the continuation or progression of a plan, action, or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it is generally neutral in register, understanding its subtle nuance—implying a decision to proceed after deliberation—is essential for accurate usage. When considering alternatives, ensure the replacement captures the intended meaning of continuation or progress. With numerous real-world examples and clear usage guidelines, writers can confidently and effectively incorporate "going ahead" into their vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceeding forward

Emphasizes the act of moving in a forward direction, adding a sense of deliberate progression.

moving forward

Focuses on the action of advancing or making progress.

continuing onward

Highlights the aspect of continuing without interruption toward a goal.

pushing on

Suggests persistence and determination in advancing despite obstacles.

forging ahead

Implies overcoming challenges to advance, adding a sense of resilience.

progressing steadily

Stresses the aspect of consistent and gradual advancement.

advancing further

Highlights the act of moving to a more advanced stage or position.

pressing on

Indicates a determined effort to continue despite difficulties.

taking the initiative

Emphasizes the act of starting or initiating something, rather than just continuing.

getting underway

Focuses on the commencement or beginning of a process or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "going ahead" to indicate that something is proceeding as planned. For example, "Despite the challenges, the project is "going ahead" as scheduled".

What are some alternatives to "going ahead"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "moving forward", "proceeding", or "continuing" instead of "going ahead".

Is it more appropriate to use "go ahead" or "going ahead"?

"Go ahead" is often used as an imperative, giving permission or encouragement to start something. "Going ahead" describes something that is already in motion or planned to continue. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

When is it not appropriate to use the phrase "going ahead"?

Avoid using "going ahead" when describing the initial stages of a new endeavor that hasn't faced any prior discussion or uncertainty. Phrases like "starting" or "beginning" may be more suitable in those cases.