move an inch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move an inch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to suggest that someone made very slight progress. For example, "Despite all the hard work she put in, she could only manage to move an inch towards her goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Azarenka doesn't move an inch.

The Guardian - Sport

I couldn't move an inch.

The New York Times - Travel

Culpepper didn't move an inch.

The New York Times - Sports

"I wouldn't move an inch," Saban recalled.

The New Yorker

"We will not move an inch".

The New York Times

"No one would even move an inch without consulting him".

The Guardian

Miserable and afraid, the cowering child doesn't move an inch.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"To travel without moving an inch".

The New Yorker

I haven't moved an inch".

The New York Times - Arts

"They haven't moved an inch".

The New Yorker

Some of my favorite bands never moved an inch.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move an inch" to illustrate a rigid stance or an almost undetectable level of progress. This emphasizes inflexibility or stagnation.

Common error

Avoid using "move an inch" when you actually mean substantial movement. This phrase emphasizes minimal or nonexistent change.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "move an inch" is as a verb phrase within a sentence, often used to describe a lack of action or progress. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "move an inch" is a common idiom used to describe a lack of progress or change. As Ludwig highlights, it is frequently employed in news and media to portray situations where individuals or groups are unwilling to compromise. While grammatically correct and widely understood, the phrase emphasizes minimal movement, progress or change. Be mindful of this nuance and use it to effectively when you wish to convey lack of compromise or minimal advancement. The phrase is considered Neutral, and can be found in a variety of sources and contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not change at all

Highlights the lack of change, no movement whatsoever.

budge slightly

Emphasizes a small physical movement or a slight shift in opinion.

give way a little

Suggests a small concession or yielding of ground in an argument or negotiation.

progress negligibly

Indicates that advancement is so small as to be almost unnoticeable.

shift position minutely

Focuses on a minimal change in physical location or stance.

yield minimally

Highlights a very small amount of compromise or agreement.

advance imperceptibly

Suggests movement forward that is nearly impossible to detect.

modify minimally

Implies only the smallest alteration or adjustment is made.

alter negligibly

Similar to modify minimally, but suggests an even smaller change.

waver imperceptibly

Indicates a lack of decisiveness or firmness, even to a barely visible degree.

FAQs

How can I use "move an inch" in a sentence?

You can use "move an inch" to describe a situation where there is a lack of progress or change, such as "The negotiations were at a standstill; neither side would "give way a little"".

What does "move an inch" idiomatically mean?

Idiomatically, "move an inch" means to make the slightest progress or show the smallest amount of willingness to change or compromise. It often implies stubbornness or resistance.

What are some alternatives to saying "move an inch"?

Alternatives include "budge slightly", "yield minimally", or "not change at all", depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "move an inch"?

It's appropriate when describing a lack of compromise, minimal progress on a project, or someone's unwavering stance on an issue. For example: "Despite the pressure, he wouldn't "alter negligibly"".