in a move

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a move" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a particular action. For example, "The company decided to expand internationally in a move to increase profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

21, in a move to keep its proposed deal alive.

The New York Times

After Butler's administration, the administrative structure was decentralized in a move away from his management style.

Columbia University

In a move that weakens the Jets and strengthens one of their A.F.C.

The New York Times

He quickly swapped her for someone more enthusiastic, in a move both expedient and gauche.

The New York Times - Arts

Each choreographer is depicted in a move identifiable with his or her work.

The New York Times - Arts

In a move rarely seen at a British firm, shareholders voted against the resolution.

The Economist

In a move toward greater transparency, Facebook discloses its carbon footprint.

The New York Times

But the plaintiffs, in a move that now seems curmudgeonly, opposed the request.

The New York Times

This month, in a move to raise revenues, the government raised gasoline prices, drawing public fury.

The New York Times

Polgar sacrificed a piece early in a move that tied Iordachescu in knots.

The New York Times

In a move known as liability management, banks can improve capital levels without raising additional funds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a move" to clearly signal that a specific action is being taken, especially when you want to highlight the intent or consequence of that action.

Common error

Avoid using "in a move" in overly passive constructions that obscure who is taking the action. Instead of writing 'Changes were implemented in a move to improve efficiency', specify who implemented the changes: 'The management implemented changes in a move to improve efficiency'.

Linguistic Context

"In a move" functions as a prepositional phrase that often introduces the purpose or reason behind an action. It serves to highlight the intentionality behind a decision or action, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a move" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to provide context and explain the reasoning behind a specific action. Predominantly found in News & Media, and also used in Formal & Business contexts, the phrase signals intentionality and purpose. Alternatives like "as a measure" or "with the intention of" can be used to add nuance. Remember to avoid overly passive constructions and ensure clarity by specifying who is taking the action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely recognized and used, making it a reliable choice for expressing strategic actions or decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a measure

Focuses on the action as a deliberate step taken to achieve a specific purpose.

as a step

Emphasizes the incremental nature of the action within a larger process.

by way of action

Highlights the method or means through which something is accomplished.

through an action

Similar to 'by way of action', but places more stress on the action itself as the instrument.

with the intention of

Shifts the focus to the purpose and underlying motivation behind the action.

to that end

Highlights the goal or objective that the action seeks to achieve.

in an effort to

Emphasizes the exertion and attempt made to accomplish something.

as a means to

Highlights the instrumentality of the action in reaching a particular outcome.

by means of

Similar to 'as a means to', but provides a more direct indication of how something is done.

via a process

Underlines that the action occurs according to a precise series of operations.

FAQs

How can I use "in a move" in a sentence?

Use "in a move" to introduce an action taken, often to achieve a specific goal or address a particular situation. For example, "The company expanded its product line "in a move" to attract younger customers."

What are some alternatives to "in a move"?

You can use alternatives like "as a measure", "as a step", or "with the intention of" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "in a move" or "to move"?

While "to move" typically refers to the act of physically relocating or the general concept of motion, ""in a move"" is used to describe a specific action taken, often strategically. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "in a move to" and "in order to"?

"In a move to" highlights the action taken, while "in order to" focuses more directly on the purpose or intention. Both can be used to express the reason behind an action, but they emphasize different aspects.