make a movement

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a movement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean either a physical movement or the beginning of an action or event. For example: The crowd made a movement towards the stage as the singer appeared.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

But money alone can't make a movement.

The Guardian

We just came together to make a movement, and that was beautiful".

The Guardian

You can make a movement as precise as you want it to be".

The New York Times - Science

A few bloggers and op-ed writers don't exactly make a movement.

The New Yorker

First, the implanted electrodes record brain waves at the moment a person intends to make a movement.

Harvard University

You could not talk to a friend without being overheard, you could not make a movement that was not watched.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

I heard a movement being made, a movement I understood in terms of clumsiness.

The New Yorker

So the star itself also makes a movement countering the movement of the planet around it.

Cornell University

This makes a movement potentially revolutionary, not the words of its leaders.

The Guardian - Opinion

At one point Goldfarb made a movement with his arms, mimicking the flight of an angel flapping its wings.

The Guardian

However the video referee says he'd already made a movement for the line, and was held up.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the start of a campaign or social change, use "make a movement" to emphasize collective action and purpose.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is initiating the action. Instead of "a movement was made", specify who "made a movement" to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a movement" primarily functions as a verb phrase, denoting the action of initiating either a physical motion or a concerted effort towards a goal. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from physical actions to social initiatives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a movement" is a versatile expression used to describe the initiation of physical actions or concerted efforts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical status is correct, with common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "initiate action" or "start moving" exist, "make a movement" uniquely captures the essence of beginning a physical or collective endeavor. Remember to maintain clarity by specifying who is "making" the movement. Ludwig AI examples reinforce its suitability for conveying both physical and abstract actions across a range of registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start moving

Highlights the beginning of physical motion, less abstract than the original.

set in motion

Implies starting a process or event, with a slightly more formal tone.

prompt motion

Highlights causing or encouraging physical movement.

initiate action

Focuses on the start of an action, omitting the 'movement' aspect.

trigger action

Implies causing an action to begin abruptly.

begin to act

Emphasizes the commencement of a process, removing the physical connotation.

spark an initiative

Suggests igniting or triggering a new project or cause.

take initiative

Stresses the proactive aspect of starting something, rather than a literal movement.

kickstart process

Informal term emphasizing the jump-starting of a process.

get something going

Casual way to describe starting an activity or process.

FAQs

How can I use "make a movement" in a sentence?

You can use "make a movement" to describe initiating an action, a physical motion, or starting a social or political movement. For example, "The crowd began to "make a movement" towards the stage" or "They sought to "make a movement" for civil rights".

What are some alternatives to "make a movement"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "initiate action", "start moving", or "take initiative".

Is it better to say "start a movement" or "make a movement"?

Both "start a movement" and "make a movement" are acceptable, but "make a movement" often implies a physical or collective action, while "start a movement" focuses on the beginning of a broader initiative.

When is it appropriate to use "make a movement" in writing?

"Make a movement" is appropriate when you want to convey the initiation of a physical action, a shift in position, or the commencement of organized efforts toward a specific goal.