lateral movement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lateral movement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as business, career development, or physical movement to describe a shift or change that occurs sideways rather than upward or downward. Example: "The company is encouraging lateral movement among employees to promote skill diversification and collaboration across departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's about lateral movement.

The New York Times - Sports

His lateral movement.

The New York Times

Sometimes it's awkward lateral movement".

The New York Times

His lateral movement is good.

The New York Times - Sports

Good lateral movement for a heavyweight.

The Guardian - Sport

Perl's lateral movement is less impressive.

The New Yorker

My lateral movement was kind of shaky.

The New York Times - Sports

Normally, he doesn't concern himself with lateral movement or placement.

The New Yorker

Anchor the foundation to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement.

The Guardian

He fielded grounders but limited his lateral movement.

The New York Times - Sports

The boxes specialize in north-south and lateral movement, the graphic equivalent of Barry Sanders.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement in sports or physical activities, use "lateral movement" to specify the ability to move quickly and efficiently to the side.

Common error

Avoid using "lateral movement" when you actually mean forward progress or advancement. "Lateral movement" specifically indicates sideways or horizontal motion, not progress in a direct or upward direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lateral movement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a type of motion or shift, whether physical or abstract, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lateral movement" is a commonly used phrase that describes a sideways or horizontal shift, applicable in various contexts from sports to career development. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples showcasing its usage. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is frequently found in news, sports, and scientific publications. Alternatives include "sideways motion" and "horizontal displacement". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a sideways motion and isn't confused with forward progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sideways motion

Replaces 'movement' with 'motion', emphasizing the act of moving sideways.

shifting sideways

Verb-focused alternative, emphasizing the action of shifting.

side-to-side movement

More explicitly describes the direction of the movement.

horizontal displacement

Uses more technical terms, focusing on the shift in position.

transverse motion

A more formal and scientific term for sideways movement.

sidestepping maneuver

Implies a deliberate act of moving to the side, often to avoid something.

horizontal traverse

Focuses on the act of crossing or moving across horizontally.

broadside motion

Suggests movement along the broad side of an object.

crablike movement

Evokes the image of a crab moving sideways.

echelon movement

Describes a staggered sideways movement, often in a military context.

FAQs

How is "lateral movement" used in sports?

"Lateral movement" describes a player's ability to move quickly to the side, which is crucial in sports like tennis, basketball, and soccer. It enhances agility and responsiveness on the field.

What does "lateral movement" mean in career development?

In career terms, "lateral movement" refers to shifting to a role at a similar level within an organization, often to gain new skills or broaden experience. It's different from a promotion or demotion.

What are some alternatives to "lateral movement"?

You can use alternatives like "sideways motion", "horizontal displacement", or "side-to-side movement" depending on the context.

How does "lateral movement" differ from vertical movement?

"Lateral movement" signifies a sideways shift or change, while vertical movement implies moving up or down in a hierarchy or structure.