move aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'move aside' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to ask someone to physically move out of the way. For example: "I'll just squeeze past you - could you please move aside?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Move aside, Tom Daley.

The Guardian - Sport

But his move aside was only temporary.

The New York Times

Move aside Hitchcock, Welles, Ozu and Ophüls.

The Guardian - Film

But for once, move aside Ronaldo, Messi and Villa.

The New York Times - Sports

The sweet treat Cronuts and Crosstowns, move aside.

Independent

They did not hit him but did not move aside.

The Guardian

They rudely jostled a bystander who didn't move aside quickly enough.

The Economist

The convoy could not move aside because of a steep embankment.

The New York Times

He did not move aside to let her up the steps.

The New Yorker

I want to see private schools emerge and then the state just move aside from education".

The Guardian

Forget the Teletubbies' "e-oh", move aside In the Night Garden's "Daisy doo".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "move aside" in writing, ensure the context makes it clear whether you're giving a literal instruction or using it figuratively to suggest something is being superseded.

Common error

Avoid using "move aside" when a more precise verb like 'replace', 'cede', or 'displace' would better convey the intended meaning. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound less sophisticated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move aside" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to physically or metaphorically change their position. Ludwig AI shows it’s often used to ask someone to clear a path or to indicate the replacement of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Wiki

9%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "move aside" functions as an imperative, urging someone to clear a path or make way, either physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. When writing, consider the context and choose alternatives such as "step aside" or "make way" to best convey the intended meaning. Avoid overusing "move aside" in formal writing, opting instead for more precise verbs like 'replace' or 'cede'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step aside

Implies a more deliberate or formal action of moving out of the way.

get out of the way

A more direct and sometimes forceful way of asking someone to move.

make way

A general instruction for people to clear a path.

give way

Similar to 'make way', but can also refer to yielding in a metaphorical sense.

move over

A request to shift position, typically to create space.

clear the path

Indicates a need to remove obstacles or people blocking a route.

stand back

An instruction to retreat or create distance, often for safety.

make room

A request to create space, either physical or metaphorical.

let pass

A more formal or polite way of asking someone to allow passage.

make space

A request to create space.

FAQs

How is "move aside" used in a sentence?

The phrase "move aside" is used to ask someone to physically get out of the way, or to indicate that something is being replaced or superseded. For example, "Could you please move aside so I can see?" or "Step aside, traditional methods; here comes innovation!".

What can I say instead of "move aside" when speaking literally?

When you want someone to physically move, you can use phrases such as "get out of the way", "step aside", or "excuse me".

What are some figurative alternatives to "move aside"?

Figuratively, you can use alternatives such as "give way to", "make room for", or "make way for", depending on the intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "move aside" in formal writing?

While "move aside" is generally informal, it can be used in news and media or blog contexts, where the tone is less strict. However, in formal writing like academic papers or business reports, it's better to use more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "give way to" or "make room for".