how things move forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how things move forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to discuss progress, development, or the direction of events in a situation or project. Example: "In our next meeting, we will discuss how things move forward with the new initiative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The SPL have been notified of this and we'll see how things move forward.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And McGinn did share with me an idea of how he'd like to see things move forward.

Vice

'It [the paperwork] changes all the time, and they're constantly having to look at a new system and how that works, which makes life really hard… … It's very difficult to have a discussion around what do you want, and how do you see things moving forward, how can we work on this, if in fact, your options are pretty limited.' Key informant 7 (Female, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Academia).

BMC Health Services Research

"I don't know him at all but I am looking forward to meeting him to discuss our lads and how he sees things moving forward," Baxter said.

The Guardian - Sport

There's also the question of how blockchain will affect things moving forward.

Forbes

"Northern Ireland is a small country but we have a lot of talented players - we just have to look at how we can keep things moving forward".

BBC

They are set to host a tent at Lovebox in London's Victoria Park this coming weekend, but beyond that how do they see things moving forward? Stephen starts to explain why it can be such a challenge, "It's a project that is incredibly hard to pull off.

Vice

Things moved forward.

The Guardian - Music

"I could see things moving forward.

BBC

"Not withstanding the things we still need to work on, it's a great indication of how things can move forward, and how art and culture can move things forward".

BBC

"The cycle itself has been of such a different nature -- what C.E.O.'s would complain of as a lack of visibility -- that they don't have a clear mental model of how things might move forward," said Bill Martin, chief economist at UBS Global Asset Management.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how things move forward" to discuss the progression of events or strategies, ensuring clarity and a focus on future development. Be specific about the 'things' you are referring to, avoiding vagueness.

Common error

While "how things move forward" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly informal settings. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives like "what's next" or "how to proceed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how things move forward" functions as a noun phrase or adverbial clause, often introducing a discussion or inquiry about future actions or progress. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its use in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how things move forward" is a versatile phrase used to discuss the progression, development, and direction of events or strategies. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially in news, science, and business. While generally neutral in register, consider simpler alternatives for informal settings and more technical terms for academic or scientific writing. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use this phrase to initiate discussions and plan future actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the way forward

A more concise and directional alternative, suggesting a path or strategy.

the process of moving ahead

Focuses on the step-by-step nature of advancement.

how progress is made

Focuses on the general concept of advancement.

the direction things are taking

Focuses on the current trajectory or trend.

how development unfolds

Emphasizes the unfolding or evolving nature of progress.

how advancements are achieved

Emphasizes the accomplishment of improvements or breakthroughs.

future course of action

Highlights planning and strategic direction.

the manner in which things advance

A more formal and descriptive way to express progress.

strategies for future growth

Highlights growth-oriented approaches.

the mechanisms of progression

A technical or analytical perspective on advancement.

FAQs

What does "how things move forward" mean?

The phrase "how things move forward" refers to the way progress is made, or how a situation or project develops and advances over time.

How can I use "how things move forward" in a sentence?

You can use "how things move forward" to discuss future plans, strategies, or the direction of a project. For example: "In our next meeting, we will discuss "how things move forward" with the new initiative."

What can I say instead of "how things move forward"?

You can use alternatives like "the way forward", "future course of action", or "how progress is made" depending on the context.

Is "how things move forward" formal or informal?

The phrase "how things move forward" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "the manner in which things advance" might be preferred in highly professional settings.