got the moves

USAGE SUMMARY

'got the moves' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal phrase that is typically used to refer to someone who is able to impress others with their skill or ability. For example, "She's got the moves to take the dance floor by storm!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He's got the moves, baby!

The Guardian

She's got the moves, the voice, everything.

The Guardian - Music

"He's got the speed, got the moves," Ross said, describing a player.

The New Yorker

He's got the moves, the vocal chops and the wardrobe, to pull it off.

The Guardian - Music

It was our daily interaction that connected us: driving her to day care, singing the ABCs, watching "Elmo's Got the Moves" on my iPhone.

The New York Times

"If you know someone who's got the moves, whether they already sing in the shower or on the stage, we want to see them".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

In the end, Nuno got the move to Spain.

The Guardian - Sport

He got the move to Liverpool and it hasn't quite worked out.

The Guardian - Sport

Through the software ADAMS kinematic simulation, we got the moving velocity and acceleration.

Energy Procedia

McGill smolders, intent on getting the moves just so.

Los Angeles Times

Mia says that Tom wasn't just interested in getting the moves right.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got the moves" in informal settings where you want to express that someone has impressive skills, especially in dancing or physical activities. For broader skills use "has the skill".

Common error

Avoid using "got the moves" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more appropriate phrases like "possesses the talent" or "is skilled" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got the moves" primarily functions as a descriptive idiom. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is used to attribute impressive skill or ability, often in a physical or performance-oriented context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got the moves" is a common and informal idiom used to describe someone with impressive skills, especially in dancing or other physical activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and best suited for informal contexts like conversations and news articles. While authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times use it, remember to use more formal alternatives like "possesses the talent" or "is skilled" in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can really dance

More casual and emphasizes dancing ability.

is a talented dancer

More specific, focusing only on dancing skills.

knows how to dance

Specifically refers to dancing ability, less versatile than the original.

has the skill

Focuses on general skill rather than specifically on dance or physical agility.

possesses the talent

Highlights inherent talent more than learned skill.

is skilled

A more general term that doesn't necessarily imply physical prowess.

has the knack

Highlights a natural aptitude or ease.

is a natural

Emphasizes innate talent or flair.

is gifted

Suggests a high degree of natural talent.

is a smooth operator

More informal and implies charm and skill in social situations.

FAQs

How can I use "got the moves" in a sentence?

You can use "got the moves" to describe someone who is skilled or talented, especially in dancing or other physical activities. For example, "She's "got the moves" to take the dance floor by storm!"

What's a more formal alternative to "got the moves"?

Alternatives include "possesses the talent", "is skilled", or "has the ability". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "got the moves" grammatically correct?

Yes, "got the moves" is grammatically correct in informal English. It's a common idiom used to describe someone with impressive skills.

What's the difference between "got the moves" and "has the skills"?

"Got the moves" typically refers to physical skills, particularly dancing, while "has the skills" is more general and can apply to any area of expertise. For broader skills use "has the skills".