move the ball forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"move the ball forward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used in sports contexts to describe the action of advancing the ball towards the opponent's goal or making progress towards a goal. Example: In order to score a touchdown, the team needed to move the ball forward at least 10 yards. In a broader sense, "move the ball forward" can also be used in other situations to describe making progress or taking steps towards achieving a goal or solving a problem. Example: The team had been stuck on the project for weeks, but with the new manager's ideas, they were finally able to move the ball forward and complete it successfully.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm confident we're going to move the ball forward".

The New York Times

Then Couples tried to move the ball forward.

The New York Times - Sports

She always wants to move the ball forward.

The New Yorker

Participants will leave the classroom knowing their next steps to move the ball forward.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He says he will again offer a framework that "can move the ball forward".

The New York Times

"I do not think it is going to move the ball forward.

The New York Times - Sports

The biggest confusion was over how he wanted us to move the ball forward.

The Guardian - Sport

You need someone who can move the ball forward every day".

The New York Times

Anger may feel good in the moment, but it's not going to move the ball forward.

The New York Times - Books

The referee had no choice but to book Repka, and move the ball forward 10 yards.

The Times

If your offense can successfully move the ball forward on the ground, you can control the tempo of the game.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "move the ball forward" in professional contexts, ensure that the audience understands this idiomatic expression. If there's potential for misinterpretation, consider using a more direct alternative.

Common error

Avoid combining "move the ball forward" with other conflicting metaphors. Mixing too many idioms can confuse the message and weaken the overall impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move the ball forward" functions primarily as a verb phrase within a sentence, acting as a predicate to describe an action of making progress or advancement. As Ludwig AI explains, it's often used in both sports and general contexts to denote steps toward achieving a goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "move the ball forward" is a common idiom used to describe making progress towards a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad usage across contexts ranging from sports to professional settings. While versatile, it's important to ensure the audience understands the idiom, especially in formal contexts where a more direct alternative might be preferable. Related phrases include ""advance the cause"", ""make headway"", and ""push forward"". Common mistakes involve mixing metaphors and using it in overly formal situations. Therefore, use it thoughtfully and consider your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make headway

Implies overcoming obstacles to make progress.

drive progress

Highlights the act of stimulating or accelerating advancement.

gain ground

Suggests incremental progress, often against opposition.

advance the cause

Focuses more directly on advocating for a specific principle or belief.

further the agenda

Specifically relates to advancing a set of objectives or a plan.

push forward

Emphasizes the effort and determination required to advance.

propel onward

Indicates a strong force causing continued forward movement.

step up the pace

Focuses on increasing the rate of progress.

improve matters

Suggests general betterment or enhancement of a situation.

make a breakthrough

Implies a significant discovery or advancement that enables further progress.

FAQs

What does the phrase "move the ball forward" mean?

The phrase "move the ball forward" means to make progress towards a goal or objective, often in a collaborative or incremental way.

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

You can use "move the ball forward" to describe any situation where progress is being made. For example, "The new policy is expected to "advance the cause" of environmental protection."

What are some alternatives to "move the ball forward"?

Some alternatives to "move the ball forward" include "make headway", "push forward", or "gain ground". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "move the ball forward" appropriate for formal writing?

While "move the ball forward" is widely understood, it might be considered informal for some formal contexts. In those cases, consider using a more direct alternative like "drive progress" or "further the agenda".