keep things moving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep things moving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to encourage progress or maintain momentum in a discussion, project, or activity. Example: "To ensure we meet our deadline, let's keep things moving and stick to the agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He uses it to keep things moving.

The New York Times - Arts

This enables them to keep things moving.

The New York Times

"I like to keep things moving".

The New York Times

Olly's instinct is to keep things moving.

The Guardian - Music

Now these skills help keep things moving.

The Guardian

That's how you keep things moving!

The Guardian - Film

He keeps it simple and tries to keep things moving".

The New York Times

Hey, you gotta keep things moving around here.

The New York Times - Sports

But romance and dry humor keep things moving.

The New York Times - Books

Be brief, she beseeched the participants, and keep things moving.

The New York Times - Science

On film you want to keep things moving".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep things moving" to encourage efficiency and prevent stagnation in discussions, projects, or processes. It's suitable when you want to maintain momentum.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "keep things moving" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "maintain progress" or "facilitate advancement" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep things moving" functions primarily as a directive or encouragement to maintain progress or momentum. It's often used to prevent stagnation in processes or discussions, as evidenced by Ludwig examples highlighting its application in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Huffington Post

9%

Less common in

TechCrunch

2%

BBC

1%

Vice

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep things moving" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to encourage progress and efficiency. Ludwig examples show it frequently appears in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. To avoid overuse in formal writing, consider alternatives such as "maintain momentum" or "facilitate progress". Remember, while versatile, be mindful of the setting and audience to ensure appropriate tone and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep the ball rolling

An idiomatic expression similar in meaning, but more informal.

maintain momentum

Focuses on sustaining the existing forward motion; slightly more formal.

facilitate progress

Focuses on making progress easier or smoother.

push forward

Implies effort and determination in making progress.

expedite progress

Emphasizes accelerating the advancement or development of something.

accelerate the pace

Highlights increasing the speed of progress.

sustain progress

Emphasizes the continuation of positive development over time.

drive forward

Implies forceful action to advance a project or goal.

propel onward

Suggests a strong force pushing something forward.

advance steadily

Highlights consistent and gradual progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep things moving" to suggest maintaining momentum or progress in a given situation. For example, "To ensure we meet our deadline, let's "keep things moving" and stick to the agenda".

What can I say instead of "keep things moving"?

You can use alternatives like "maintain momentum", "expedite progress", or "facilitate progress" depending on the context.

Is "keep things moving forward" redundant?

While not strictly incorrect, "keep things moving forward" can be slightly redundant as "moving" inherently implies a forward direction. "Keep things moving" alone is usually sufficient.

When is it appropriate to use "keep things moving"?

It's appropriate to use "keep things moving" in situations where you want to encourage efficiency, prevent delays, or maintain progress, particularly in informal or neutral contexts.