make the next move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make the next move" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used in situations where a person is playing a game or trying to navigate a problem or situation. Example: "After losing two pieces in the chess game, it was my turn to make the next move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The league is waiting for the union to make the next move.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems only right to make the next move, and inch a little closer.

The New Yorker

Mr. Boehner put the onus on the president to make the next move.

The New York Times

It is up to Mr. Abbas, not Mr. Sharon, to make the next move.

The New York Times

But Mr. Baker left it open to Vice President Al Gore to make the next move.

The New York Times

Frozen in front of some inexplicable piece of bad news, unable to make the next move.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Sometime in the next month, the group is expected to make a recommendation to Senator Mark Udall and Representative Scott Tipton, who would then make the next moves — if any — in Washington.

The New York Times

They said that it was up to the regime in Pyongyang to make the next moves, including an approach to the IAEA and permission for experts to monitor food distribution.An intriguing question about the deal is what it says about the young Mr Kim and whether his regime represents a fundamental shift from his father's.

The Economist

"We need to make the next moves as positive as we can, as we will be heading into a very tough season.

BBC

Dish made the next move and raised its offer to $4.40 a share in May.

The New York Times

Mr. Cuomo secretly made the next move, underscoring the break with Mr. Spitzer and assuming the dominant role that would lead to the settlement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "make the next move", ensure the context clearly indicates whose turn it is or who is responsible for taking the action.

Common error

Avoid using "make the next move" when it's unclear who is expected to act. Always provide enough context to identify the actor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make the next move" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of taking the subsequent action in a sequence of events or a strategic situation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

27%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make the next move" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies taking the subsequent action in a series of events or a strategic scenario. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its prevalence in news, media, and general writing makes it versatile across different registers. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who is responsible for taking the action and the context in which the move is being made. Alternatives like "take the subsequent action" or "initiate the following step" can be considered for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take the subsequent action

Replaces "make" with "take" and "next move" with "subsequent action", emphasizing the act of taking action.

initiate the following step

Substitutes "make" with "initiate", focusing on starting the next step in a sequence.

proceed with the subsequent measure

Uses "proceed" instead of "make", highlighting the progression to the next measure or action.

advance to the next stage

Emphasizes the progression to a new phase or stage in a process.

take the initiative

Focuses on being proactive and taking the lead in a situation.

act next

A more concise way to convey the idea of taking the next action.

it's your turn to act

Highlights the responsibility or opportunity to take action.

play your hand

Idiomatic alternative that suggests revealing one's strategy or intentions.

decide on your next course of action

Replaces "move" with the more formal "course of action", focusing on decision-making.

determine the next course of action

Similar to the above, but emphasizes the determination rather than the decision.

FAQs

How can I use "make the next move" in a sentence?

Use "make the next move" to indicate taking the subsequent action in a process or situation, such as "After their proposal, it's our turn to "make the next move"." It implies a sequence or turn-taking.

What's the difference between "make the next move" and "make the first move"?

"Make the first move" refers to initiating an action or process, while "make the next move" indicates continuing or responding within an existing sequence. The former starts something new, the latter progresses something already in motion.

What can I say instead of "make the next move"?

You can use alternatives like "take the subsequent action", "initiate the following step", or "proceed with the subsequent measure" depending on the context.

Is "make the next move" formal or informal?

"Make the next move" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation than on the phrase itself.