move upward

USAGE SUMMARY

'move upward' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a physical act of moving up. For example, "She raised her arm and moved it upward slowly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"There is no sustained move upward.

The New York Times

Energy prices continued their long move upward.

The New York Times

But the slogan arc does not always move upward.

The New York Times

"We look for a nice continued move upward".

The New York Times

Neither the upper nor the lower limit is fixed, and either may move upward or downward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She said she hoped her job would help her move upward and onward.

The New York Times

So many of these stocks started their move upward from pretty low levels.

The New York Times

Castes traditionally of lower status also made use of these opportunities to move upward, creating tensions within the caste system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mendes then became part-owner, paying the difference so that his client could move upward and onward.

The New York Times - Sports

Analysts said the market might need conclusive signs that the recovery was under way to sustain a move upward.

The New York Times

The company reported an 11percentt rise in sales, to $10.8 billion, the sharpest move upward in seven years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and register. While "move upward" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from using synonyms like "ascend" or "elevate".

Common error

Avoid using "move upward" excessively in formal documents or scientific reports. Opt for more precise verbs like "increase", "rise", or "grow" depending on the specific context for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move upward" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, describing the action of changing position to a higher level. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, including physical movement, economic trends, and career advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "move upward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression denoting a change in position to a higher level. As Ludwig examples show, it is suitable across diverse contexts, from describing physical motion to abstract concepts like career advancement. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's crucial to consider the register and context. In formal writing, synonyms like "ascend" or "elevate" might be more appropriate. Its versatility and common usage make it a valuable part of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascend

This term provides a more formal and concise alternative, often used to describe a gradual or stately upward movement.

rise

A simple and direct synonym, "rise" implies an upward movement, often naturally or spontaneously.

climb

This suggests a more active and effortful upward movement, often involving physical exertion.

elevate

This term implies raising something to a higher position, often through external force or influence.

go up

A more informal and general way to describe moving to a higher position or level.

progress upward

Emphasizes the idea of making advancement or improvement towards a higher level or goal.

shift upward

Suggests a more subtle or gradual change in position or status.

advance upward

Similar to "progress upward", but with a focus on the forward motion in addition to the upward direction.

soar

Implies a rapid and impressive upward movement, often associated with success or achievement.

scale

This suggests overcoming obstacles or challenges while moving upward, often in a metaphorical sense.

FAQs

What does "move upward" mean?

The phrase "move upward" means to change position to a higher level, either physically or metaphorically, such as in career advancement or economic growth.

When is it appropriate to use "move upward" in writing?

It is suitable to use "move upward" when describing a physical action, the progress of something toward a higher level, or the improvement of status. Be sure to replace it with synonyms like "rise" or "ascend" for formal contexts.

Are there any alternatives to using "move upward"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "ascend", "rise", "climb", or "elevate" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "move upward" redundant?

While technically "upward" specifies the direction of the "move", the phrase isn't necessarily redundant if emphasis on the upward direction is needed. Otherwise, a simple verb such as "rise" or "ascend" could be more concise.