movement of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "movement of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act or process of changing position or location, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "The movement of the tectonic plates is responsible for many earthquakes around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The movement of your hand.

The New Yorker

The directional movement of wind.

The New York Times

No movement of the pencil.

The New Yorker

It is full of movement, of imagery.

The New York Times

The movement of this animal causes earthquakes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were a movement of the elite.

The Guardian

Diagram depicting the movement of the planets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But movement of what?

The Guardian - Arts

Consider movement of shipping.

The New York Times

A movement of anxiety.

The Guardian - Books

MIA Islamist Movement of Azawad.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, such as the "movement of" ideas or capital, ensure the context clearly indicates the type and direction of the movement to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "movement of" when a more precise verb could replace the phrase and add clarity. For example, instead of "the movement of water", consider using "the water flows" or "the water migrates".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "movement of" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act, process, or state of changing position or location. Ludwig provides numerous examples to support this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

29%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "movement of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes the act or process of changing position or location, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its applications span across diverse contexts, from describing physical changes like tectonic plate shifts to abstract concepts like the flow of information. While considered neutral in register, "movement of" is most prevalent in news, academic, and scientific sources. When writing, strive for precision; sometimes a more concise verb can enhance clarity. Related phrases such as "motion of" or "transfer of" can provide nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motion of

Replaces "movement" with "motion", emphasizing the act or process of changing position.

displacement of

Focuses on the act of something being moved from its original place or position.

shifting of

Highlights a slight change in position or direction.

transfer of

Emphasizes the relocation or conveyance of something from one place to another.

passage of

Suggests movement through a specific area or time.

flow of

Implies a continuous and smooth movement, often of fluids or abstract entities.

circulation of

Focuses on the movement in a loop or circuit.

locomotion of

Refers specifically to the act or capability of moving from place to place, especially by living beings.

progression of

Highlights the forward or onward movement towards a destination or goal.

drift of

Suggests a slow, gradual movement often influenced by external forces.

FAQs

How can I use "movement of" in a sentence?

The phrase "movement of" is used to describe the act or process of changing position or location. For example: "The "movement of" tectonic plates causes earthquakes".

What are some alternatives to "movement of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "motion of", "transfer of", or "flow of".

Is it correct to use "movement of" in formal writing?

Yes, "movement of" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing processes or changes in position, direction, or ideas. However, consider if a more concise verb could enhance clarity.

How does the meaning of "movement of" differ from "motion of"?

While similar, "movement of" often implies a broader concept of changing location or position, whereas "motion of" often refers to the act or process of moving. The difference is subtle and context-dependent.