move along

USAGE SUMMARY

"move along" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to suggest someone should leave, or that something should be finished. For example, "It's time to wrap up the meeting - let's move along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Move along, move along".

The New York Times - Tech

Move along, please.

The New York Times

"We move along pretty fast".

The New York Times

He actually says, "Move along".

The New York Times - Magazine

Move along, folks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Move along, now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's moving along".

The New York Times - Arts

He moved along, well watched.

The New Yorker

I feel things are moving along rapidly.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm moving along," she said.

The New York Times

We can see the trends moving along".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move along" to politely, yet firmly, dismiss someone or indicate that a topic is concluded and should no longer be discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "move along" in highly formal or professional settings where a more polite or diplomatic expression is required. Consider alternatives like "let's proceed" or "we should move on to the next item."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move along" primarily functions as an imperative verb phrase, used to direct or urge someone to leave a place or stop paying attention to something. It can also function as an intransitive verb phrase when it describes something progressing forward. Ludwig examples showcase its use in both contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "move along" is a common and versatile expression primarily used to urge someone to leave or to indicate that a topic is concluded. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in professional settings. Related phrases such as "let's move on" and "carry on" offer similar meanings, but careful consideration of the context is essential for optimal communication. Overall, "move along" remains a practical phrase for both direct and indirect communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let's move on

Suggests shifting the focus to a new topic or activity.

keep it moving

An informal way to tell someone to leave or to hurry, similar to "move along".

carry on

Emphasizes continuing an activity or process, similar to progressing forward.

hurry along

Emphasizes the need for haste or quick movement.

proceed onwards

Highlights the continuation of a journey or task, directing attention forward.

press on

Focuses on continuing despite difficulties, implying forward movement.

get a move on

An idiomatic way of urging someone to hurry or get started.

make way

Asks people to clear a path or step aside.

time to go

A direct way of indicating that it's time for someone to depart.

disperse

Implies scattering or moving away from a central point.

FAQs

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

"Move along" is often used to tell someone to leave or to stop paying attention to something. For example, "The police told the crowd to move along." It can also mean to progress or continue, as in, "The project is moving along nicely."

What does "move along, nothing to see here" mean?

This phrase is used to discourage people from lingering or showing interest in something, often implying that there is nothing of importance or interest to see. It is frequently used humorously or sarcastically.

What can I say instead of "move along" to sound more polite?

If you want to be more polite, you can use phrases like "please disperse", "let's proceed", or "we should move on", depending on the context.

Is "move along" appropriate in formal communication?

While "move along" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal. In formal communication, it's better to use alternatives such as "let's continue", "please proceed", or "we shall continue".