move things along

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move things along" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone should make progress or hurry up with something. For example: "Let's try to move things along, so that we can finish this project on time".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"We said we would move things along quickly, if they did," he said.

The New York Times

But if it's your job to move things along, it's actually an amazingly fast-paced game.

The New York Times - Magazine

Marathon matches like the one between Juan Martín del Potro and Guillermo García-López do not help move things along, either.

The New York Times - Sports

In such situations, a third party mediator is needed to help move things along and ensure the success of an agreement as well as its implementation.

Harvard University

In many of the states in the region, there's no particular urgency to move things along, since each has all the power it needs.

MIT Technology Review

"We have to free ourselves from the inability of the federal government and the state to move things along," Mr. Spano said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I am known as a judge who moves things along," Judge Forrest said.

The New York Times

I used to always want things yesterday and would be very anxious about moving things along faster.

The New York Times

In Albany County, Tammy Johnson, the county chairwoman, moved things along quickly because many delegates had a funeral to attend.

The New York Times

Because of its expertise, "the Marisol panel has moved things along much further than would have been possible without them".

The New York Times

Generous severance packages for laid-off Nokia employees and direct startup help moved things along quickly.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move things along" when you want to encourage efficiency and progress in a situation. For instance, "Let's "move things along" by assigning clear roles and deadlines."

Common error

While versatile, "move things along" can sound too casual in highly formal settings. In such cases, consider alternatives like "facilitate progress" or "expedite the process" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "move things along" is as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and examples show it acting as a verb phrase within sentences, indicating an action to expedite or accelerate progress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "move things along" is a versatile phrasal verb used to encourage progress and efficiency. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. While suitable for various contexts, including news and media, it's essential to consider formality, opting for alternatives like "facilitate progress" in more formal settings. The phrase's usage is well-supported by authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, affirming its place in standard English communication. Remember to use it when you want to suggest expediting a process, and be mindful of the tone it conveys.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facilitate progress

Highlights making progress easier or smoother.

expedite the process

Focuses specifically on speeding up a formal procedure.

accelerate progress

Highlights the increase in the rate of advancement.

speed up the proceedings

Emphasizes hastening a series of formal actions.

make headway

Implies overcoming obstacles and advancing forward.

push forward

Suggests applying force or effort to advance a project or plan.

advance the agenda

Directs focus on promoting a specific set of objectives.

catalyze development

Indicates initiating or accelerating growth or evolution.

keep the ball rolling

Focuses on maintaining momentum and preventing stagnation.

get the show on the road

Implies initiating a project or activity with enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "move things along" in a sentence?

You can use "move things along" to suggest accelerating progress. For example, "The mediator helped to "move things along" during the negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "move things along"?

You can use alternatives like "expedite the process", "facilitate progress", or "accelerate progress" depending on the context.

Is "move things along" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, "move things along" may be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider stronger, more professional alternatives like "advance the agenda" or "push forward".

What does it mean to "move things along"?

To "move things along" means to help something progress more quickly or efficiently. It often implies overcoming obstacles or encouraging faster action.