keep them moving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep them moving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to encourage or instruct someone to maintain momentum or progress, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "During the meeting, it's important to keep them moving through the agenda to ensure we cover all topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

3. Get tools that keep them moving.

The New York Times

You just got to keep them moving.

The New York Times - Sports

Keep them moving and get them off.

The New York Times

Just keep them moving forward by hard-won inches as time and opportunity allows.

Harvard University

But "The Conspiracy Club" does add enough of a new spin to keep them moving.

The New York Times - Books

He needs the continued cover of the ABM treaty to keep them moving west too.

The New York Times

He lets them negotiate amongst themselves, but he's there to keep them moving.

The New York Times

Since then, our economies have become much more reliant on pensions to keep them moving.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In his book Target Blue, author Robert Daley described Shakur as the "soul" of the BLA, the "mother hen that kept them fighting and kept them moving".

The Guardian - Books

If Mr. Broadhead is the glue that keeps everyone together, then Lavbosh Gjuzaj is the grease that keeps them moving.

The New York Times

The performers are a likable, energetic lot, and Mr. Warren keeps them moving at a sprightly pace.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When managing a project, use "keep them moving" to encourage team members to continuously work toward deadlines and milestones. For instance, “To ensure project success, it's vital to keep them moving by providing regular updates and addressing roadblocks promptly”.

Common error

While versatile, using "keep them moving" excessively in highly formal or academic writing can make your text sound less sophisticated. Opt for more precise language that reflects the specific action you're describing. For example, instead of saying "the manager needed to keep them moving", consider "the manager needed to expedite project completion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep them moving" functions primarily as a directive or encouragement to maintain momentum or progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It often implies active management or intervention to prevent stagnation, seen in examples ranging from physical activity to project management.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep them moving" is a versatile and commonly used expression that encourages the maintenance of progress, momentum, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in academic and wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in highly professional or academic settings. Common usage involves preventing delays or motivating continuous action, as seen in various examples. Remember to be mindful of the context when using this phrase to ensure it aligns with the desired tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain their progress

Focuses on the continuation of advancement.

sustain their momentum

Emphasizes the preservation of current speed and force.

keep them active

Highlights engagement and participation.

ensure their advancement

Prioritizes the guarantee of forward movement.

propel them forward

Suggests a driving force pushing towards progress.

facilitate their journey

Highlights the act of making their progress easier.

drive them onward

Focuses on forceful encouragement to continue.

motivate their advance

Stresses the role of motivation in their forward movement.

support their expedition

Emphasizes assistance in their endeavor.

assist their process

Highlights providing help to keep their efforts unfolding.

FAQs

How can I use "keep them moving" in a sentence?

You can use "keep them moving" to suggest maintaining momentum, progress, or activity. For example, "The coach needs to keep them moving during practice" or "It's important to keep them moving on the project to meet the deadline".

What are some alternatives to "keep them moving"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "maintain their pace", "sustain their momentum", or "keep them active".

Is "keep them moving" suitable for formal writing?

While "keep them moving" is generally acceptable, formal writing might benefit from more precise alternatives. Consider using phrases like "ensure their advancement" or "facilitate their journey" for a more sophisticated tone.

What does it mean to "keep them moving"?

To "keep them moving" generally means to ensure that someone or something maintains progress, momentum, or activity, preventing stagnation or delay. For instance, an instructor will "keep them moving" through a sequence of exercises in a gym class.