move to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you refer to someone taking action in order to accomplish something. For example: The committee decided to move to enact legislation that would reduce carbon emissions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We have to move to do something about our dependence on foreign oil.

The New York Times

And by the early 1980s, there was a very controversial move to do something about it.

Cornell University

He went on, "What induced me to 'take over,' as I did, after she broke her hipbone, early in 1964, was mainly the fact that nobody really made a move to do something.

The New Yorker

"It's just tragic really to see the blast furnace standing over the town as a sort of sorry symbol of loss and decline and the sooner we can move to do something on that site to bring jobs and investment and hope the better.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Today, there are nascent moves to do something about that "400,000".

Independent

Perhaps if they were inconvenienced by the strike, they might be moved to do something.

The New Yorker

When Uxbal learns he is dying, he is moved to do something good.

The Guardian - Travel

But unlike Australians, Canadians who were moved to do something actually could.

The Guardian - Opinion

She was hopeful that officials would finally be moved to do something.

The Guardian

"The excitement over 'Les Noces' was rising to such a pitch that we felt moved to do something to celebrate the première," Murphy says.

The New Yorker

Now and then, he was moved to do something of surprising loveliness, such as the golden blur of a nude Ema descending a staircase.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move to do something" when you want to emphasize a transition from a state of inaction to a state of taking purposeful steps.

Common error

Avoid using "move to do something" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more direct and specific verbs to describe the action being taken for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move to do something" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to express purpose or intention. It indicates a transition or progression towards taking a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "move to do something" is a grammatically correct and usable infinitive phrase that describes a transition towards taking action, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively rare, it finds its main use in news, media, and academic contexts. Consider alternatives such as "take action" or "begin to act" depending on the desired emphasis. When using "move to do something", prioritize clarity and conciseness by specifying the intended actions clearly, and be mindful to not overuse it in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take action

Focuses on the act of initiating something.

make a move

Emphasizes the initiation of a strategic step.

spring into action

Highlights the quickness and urgency of responding.

get going

Suggests starting a process or activity.

start to act

Indicates beginning a course of behavior.

initiate action

Implies formally starting a process or plan.

undertake measures

Indicates taking specific steps to achieve a goal.

begin the process

Highlights starting a sequence of actions.

get underway

Suggests the beginning stages of an undertaking.

commence activity

Implies a formal start to an activity.

FAQs

How can I use "move to do something" in a sentence?

You can use "move to do something" to describe the act of transitioning into taking action. For example, "After the presentation, the team will "move to do something" about the project implementation."

What are some alternatives to "move to do something"?

Alternatives include "take action", "begin to act", or "initiate action" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "move to do something" or "take action"?

While both are valid, "take action" is generally more direct and suitable for formal contexts. "Move to do something" suggests a transition towards taking action and might be fitting when emphasizing this shift.

What does it mean to "move to do something"?

It signifies a shift in approach towards actively addressing a situation or goal. It often implies a deliberate transition from planning or discussion to concrete implementation.