made a move

USAGE SUMMARY

"made a move" is a perfectly correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone taking action to achieve a goal or accomplish something, such as, "He made a move to try and get the job promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, we made a move.

The New York Times

"He made a move.

The New York Times - Sports

Carter made a move to go.

The New Yorker

"They made a move and we made a move".

The New York Times

"And we made a move".

The New York Times

Saarland made a move around the turn.

The New York Times - Sports

We recognise that she has made a move.

The Guardian

But the man never made a move for a pocketbook.

The New York Times

Their attraction grew, but neither made a move.

The New York Times

What if Iraq made a move against Israel?

The New York Times - Magazine

Only Raymond Floyd, who shot a 67, made a move.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "made a move", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose or goal behind the action. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "made a move" without specifying what the move was or why it was made. Without sufficient context, the phrase can be ambiguous and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made a move" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating that someone or something has taken a specific action. Ludwig's examples show it being used to describe strategic actions, attempts, or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made a move" is a versatile phrase used to describe actions taken across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. The phrase often implies a strategic or deliberate action, finding frequent use in news, media, and academic writing. While it can occasionally be used in more formal business settings, its neutral register makes it adaptable to many writing styles. When using the phrase, ensure sufficient context is provided to avoid ambiguity and maintain the clarity of your message. Alternative expressions like "took action" or "acted" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took action

Focuses on the action itself, without necessarily implying a strategic element.

took steps

Emphasizes the process and sequence of actions taken.

acted

A more general term, simply indicating that someone did something.

initiated action

Highlights the beginning or starting of an action.

launched an initiative

Suggests a more formal or planned set of actions.

carried out an action

Focuses on the execution and completion of an action.

undertook a measure

Implies a specific, deliberate action taken for a particular purpose.

effected a change

Highlights the result or impact of the action.

stirred into action

Implies that the decision has been discussed or thought previously and now action.

made a decision

Refers specifically to the act of choosing a course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "made a move" to describe someone taking action, such as "The company "made a move" to expand its market share" or "He "made a move" to improve the situation."

What can I say instead of "made a move"?

Alternatives to "made a move" include "took action", "took steps", or "acted", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "made a move" or "took action"?

Both "made a move" and "took action" are correct, but "made a move" often implies a strategic or calculated action, while "took action" is more general. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "made a move" and "made a decision"?

"Made a decision" refers specifically to the act of choosing between options. "Made a move," while sometimes interchangeable, can imply a broader scope of action beyond just choosing, such as implementing a plan. A decision is a specific type of move.