move past

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move past" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of overcoming or letting go of something, such as an emotion, event, or situation. Example: "It's important to acknowledge your feelings, but eventually, you need to move past the hurt and focus on healing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can move past fossil fuel.

The Guardian - Opinion

But we have to move past public and private debate".

The Guardian

"We need to move past perceptions based on race.

The New York Times

We're only beginning to move past that.

Vice

We must move past indecision to action.

Huffington Post

Move on, move past and move up!

Huffington Post

The days move past like you're on holiday.

Vice

The days move past like you're on vacation.

Vice

It's time to move past false promises and programs.

Huffington Post

Who knows, maybe we'll move past toleration to celebration.

Huffington Post

Personal science forces you to move past planning.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move past" to suggest a transition or progression beyond a specific point, whether it's a literal location, a difficult experience, or an outdated idea.

Common error

Avoid using "move past" when a more direct verb like "pass", "walk by", or "go by" would be more appropriate for describing physical movement. "Move past" often implies a deliberate act of leaving something behind, which may not always be the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "move past" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, indicating the act of progressing beyond a specific point. It can describe literal movement, as seen in Ludwig's example: "We watched the bag move past us", or figurative progress, as in: "We need to move past perceptions based on race."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

14%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Vice

3%

The New Yorker

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "move past" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb signifying progression beyond a particular point, whether physical, emotional, or conceptual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its communicative purpose is to encourage advancement and resolution, with alternatives like ""get beyond"", "overcome", and "transcend" offering nuanced variations. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid using "move past" in purely physical contexts where simpler verbs suffice. With its prevalent usage in News & Media, "move past" remains a relevant and effective phrase for expressing transition and progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get beyond

This alternative emphasizes overcoming an obstacle or limitation.

get over

Specifically refers to recovering from an emotional setback or difficulty.

overcome

Stresses the act of successfully dealing with or conquering a challenge.

surmount

Implies conquering a significant obstacle or challenge.

transcend

Implies rising above or surpassing something, often in a more significant or spiritual sense.

rise above

Highlights the ability to maintain composure and strength in the face of adversity.

leave behind

Focuses on the act of abandoning or forgetting something.

progress beyond

Suggests advancement and development beyond a certain stage or limit.

advance past

Indicates forward movement and surpassing a specific point.

supersede

Means to replace something, often because it is outdated or no longer useful.

FAQs

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

"Move past" is a versatile phrasal verb. You can use it to describe overcoming difficulties, such as "We need to "get beyond" this conflict and focus on collaboration", or to indicate a shift in thinking, like "It's time to "leave behind" outdated practices and embrace innovation".

What does "move past" mean?

The phrase "move past" generally means to progress beyond a certain point, whether it's a physical location, an emotional state, or a stage in a process. It often implies overcoming an obstacle or leaving something behind.

What are some alternatives to "move past"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "get over", "overcome", "rise above", or "transcend". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "moved passed" instead of "moved past"?

No, "moved passed" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "moved past". "Past" functions as a preposition in this context, indicating direction or movement beyond something.