in motion

USAGE SUMMARY

"in motion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of an action or process that is happening. For example, "The train was already in motion when I arrived at the station."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Lips are in motion.

The New Yorker

Another day in motion.

The New York Times

History is in motion.

The New Yorker

"It's poetry in motion".

The New York Times - Arts

Texas in motion.

The New York Times - Books

Or Research in Motion.

The New York Times

Groundwater is constantly in motion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The FORCE is in motion.

The New York Times - Magazine

She is perfection in motion.

The New York Times

It sets us in motion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Wii's Future In Motion.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in motion" to describe processes, systems, or objects that are actively moving or progressing towards a goal. For example, "The project is now in motion" indicates that the project has started and is advancing.

Common error

Avoid using "in motion" when describing static or completed actions. It's more appropriate for ongoing or dynamic situations. For example, instead of saying "The decision is in motion", say "The decision has been made" if it's finalized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in motion" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the state of an object, process, or idea that is actively moving or progressing. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in motion" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe states of activity and progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While it's suitable for describing dynamic situations, it's important to avoid using it in static contexts. Related phrases like "in progress" and "underway" can offer similar meanings, but each carries subtle nuances. Remember to use "in motion" when you want to emphasize that something is actively moving or developing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in progress

Focuses on the state of being actively worked on, differing from "in motion" which emphasizes movement.

underway

Highlights that something has started and is advancing, less about literal movement than "in motion".

in operation

Emphasizes the functionality and active use of something, rather than its movement.

on the move

Suggests physical movement or relocation, while "in motion" can be more abstract.

in action

Focuses on the performance of a task or activity, rather than general movement.

in flux

Emphasizes a state of change and instability, differing from the more neutral "in motion".

developing

Highlights growth and evolution, rather than just movement.

advancing

Emphasizes forward progress, which may or may not involve physical movement.

shifting

Focuses on a change in position or direction, a more specific type of movement than "in motion".

evolving

Stresses gradual change and adaptation over time, rather than immediate movement.

FAQs

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

Use "in motion" to describe something that is currently moving or progressing, such as "The wheels are "already in motion"" or "The plan is "now in motion"".

What's a good alternative to "in motion"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in progress", "underway", or "in action".

Is it correct to say "the idea is in motion"?

Yes, it's correct to say "the idea is in motion" if you mean that the idea is currently being developed or implemented. It suggests that the idea is not static but actively progressing.

How does "in motion" differ from "in progress"?

"In motion" emphasizes movement or activity, while "in progress" simply indicates that something is currently being worked on. "In motion" suggests a dynamic state, whereas "in progress" is more general.