move forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"move forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate advancement or progression of some kind. For example, "We need to move forward on this project if we want to meet our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lets move forward.

Independent

"Let's move forward.

The New York Times

Unhurrying waves move forward.

The New Yorker

Move forward three years.

The New York Times

Why move forward?

The New Yorker

Let us move forward".

The New York Times - Magazine

I can move forward".

The New Yorker

"Just move forward".

The New York Times - Sports

Time to move forward.

The New York Times

You just move forward.

The New York Times - Sports

They move forward.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move forward" when you want to emphasize a transition from a past situation to a future plan, indicating a deliberate decision to leave something behind. For instance, "Now that the investigation is complete, we can move forward with the project."

Common error

Avoid using "move forward" when the context already implies progression. Saying "We need to move forward and continue the project" is redundant. Instead, use "We need to continue the project."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "move forward" is as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the action of progressing or advancing. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, from business negotiations to personal development, confirming its role in describing advancement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "move forward" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate progression or advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal business settings to informal conversations. Predominantly featured in news and media, it signifies a transition from a past state to a future goal. While synonyms like ""progress"" and "advance" exist, "move forward" often emphasizes a deliberate decision to leave something behind. Remember to avoid redundancy and ensure its usage enhances, rather than clutters, your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progress

A shorter, more direct synonym focusing on the act of making headway.

advance

Similar to "progress" but can also imply a more forceful or strategic movement.

proceed

Implies following a plan or sequence, often used in more formal contexts.

make headway

Emphasizes overcoming obstacles and gaining ground.

press on

Suggests determination and persistence in continuing forward, especially through difficulties.

forge ahead

Implies creating a new path or overcoming significant resistance.

look ahead

Focuses on anticipating and planning for the future.

carry on

Indicates continuing an existing process or activity without interruption.

march on

Conveys a sense of forward movement with purpose and determination, often in a group or organized manner.

get something moving

To trigger progress or make a change happen.

FAQs

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

"Move forward" is typically used to suggest progression or advancement. For example, "Let's put the past behind us and "move ahead"" or "The company is planning to "progress" with its expansion plans next year".

What can I say instead of "move forward"?

You can use alternatives like "advance", "proceed", or ""progress"" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "move forward" or "move ahead"?

Both "move forward" and ""move ahead"" are acceptable. "Move forward" may slightly emphasize a deliberate shift from the past, while "move ahead" focuses more on general advancement.

When is it inappropriate to use "move forward"?

Avoid using "move forward" when the context makes it redundant, such as saying "move forward and continue". In such cases, simply using "continue" is more concise.