moves afoot

USAGE SUMMARY

"moves afoot" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom which means that something is happening or being planned. For example, "The new CEO has promised to restructure the company, so moves afoot to make the company more efficient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

With such moves afoot, agrochemicals is best-placed to reach Mr Wenning's targets.

The Economist

There are already moves afoot to relax attitudes to corporate probity.

The Guardian

And moves afoot to try to get his successor, Nicky Morgan, to reverse it?

The Guardian

There are also more direct moves afoot to restore damaged environments.

The Guardian

There are also moves afoot to restore the professional Tour of Ireland using the momentum created by the Giro's visit.

The Guardian - Sport

There are moves afoot to help them to get money for, among other things, a Gypsy university.One big snag is that Europe's Gypsies are, in fact, extremely heterogeneous.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"That is the big move afoot in the industry".

The New York Times - Tech

But there is a move afoot to tinker with it.

The New Yorker

He also said there was no move afoot on the board to seek Mr. Case's removal.

The New York Times

A good move afoot?" 5.11pm GMT Beckham was asked precisely how much will be donated to charity on his behalf.

The Guardian - Sport

The story makes it clear that there is a strong move afoot to drive Penn out despite the wins.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moves afoot" to indicate that plans or actions are being discreetly or unofficially developed, often implying a degree of secrecy or behind-the-scenes activity.

Common error

Avoid using "moves afoot" in highly formal or technical contexts where a more direct and explicit description of actions or plans would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a subtle, almost conspiratorial, tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moves afoot" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that actions or plans are currently being developed or implemented. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase adds a nuance of ongoing activity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "moves afoot" signifies that plans or activities are currently underway, often with an implied sense of discreetness or behind-the-scenes activity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news and media, but can be appropriately used in business and less so in formal science. Related phrases include "plans underway" and "preparations in progress". While "moves afoot" is acceptable, remember to consider the context and tone of your writing. Alternatives may provide a more direct approach. This phrase offers an effective way to convey ongoing activity with a hint of impending change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plans underway

Focuses on the planning stage and progress of the activities.

preparations in progress

Highlights the preparatory actions being taken.

actions being taken

Emphasizes the active steps and interventions.

developments unfolding

Implies an evolving situation or series of events.

steps in motion

Suggests that specific actions have been initiated.

changes brewing

Indicates potential alterations or shifts in the near future. This is less formal.

initiatives emerging

Highlights the introduction of new projects or strategies.

activity stirring

Implies increased or renewed activity in a particular area.

efforts advancing

Focuses on the progress and forward movement of endeavors.

things in the works

An informal way of saying that something is being planned or prepared.

FAQs

How can I use "moves afoot" in a sentence?

You can use "moves afoot" to indicate that plans or actions are being developed, often discreetly. For example, "There are "plans underway" to restructure the department, so "moves afoot" to ensure a smooth transition".

What are some alternatives to "moves afoot"?

Alternatives include "plans underway", "preparations in progress", or "actions being taken", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "moves afoot" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "moves afoot" may be better suited for neutral or informal contexts. In highly formal writing, consider more direct phrases like "initiatives emerging" or "efforts advancing".

What does "moves afoot" imply about the nature of the actions being taken?

"Moves afoot" suggests that the actions or plans are often being developed discreetly or unofficially, implying a degree of behind-the-scenes activity. It may also mean some "changes brewing".