moving aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moving aside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the action of stepping out of the way or allowing something or someone to pass. Example: "In order to let the emergency vehicle through, the pedestrians were moving aside quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

But Corcoran's job is not exactly as simple as moving aside snarling linebackers.

The New York Times - Sports

Ibn Ḥanbal is reported to have been beaten by 150 floggers, each in turn striking him twice and moving aside.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then on Wednesday, an alert police officer, Charles Hofstetter, spied four men moving aside the plywood and entering the store.

The New York Times

Despite occasional hints that he intends to start moving aside, Steinbrenner has exercised more control over the Yankees' operations recently.

The New York Times - Sports

There are several hundred free-roaming horses on the island, families mostly, and they often share the roads with you but are thoughtful in moving aside.

The New York Times - Travel

Moving aside could allow for the reappearance of the type of a weekend morning pop show that's been replaced by cookery.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Nadal moved aside for Federer.

The New York Times - Sports

Move aside, Tom Daley.

The Guardian - Sport

But for once, move aside Ronaldo, Messi and Villa.

The New York Times - Sports

But his move aside was only temporary.

The New York Times

Move aside Hitchcock, Welles, Ozu and Ophüls.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moving aside" when you want to describe a physical action, or when you are talking about someone relinquishing a position or responsibility. For example: "The crowd was moving aside to let the parade pass."

Common error

While "moving aside" is generally acceptable, it might sound too informal in some professional or academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "relinquishing control" or "vacating the position" when discussing leadership or authority changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moving aside" primarily functions as a gerund phrase. It often acts as a noun, describing the action of yielding space or relinquishing a position, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples from reputable news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Arts

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moving aside" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to describe the act of physically or metaphorically yielding space or position. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage in reputable sources. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, it's important to consider the register and choose more formal alternatives like "relinquishing control" or "vacating the position" in professional or academic settings. Remember to use "moving aside" when describing a shift or yielding, whether it's a crowd parting to let someone pass or a leader stepping down to make way for a successor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stepping aside

Similar to "moving aside", but emphasizes the act of physically stepping away.

making room

Focuses on creating physical space for something or someone.

yielding

Implies giving way or surrendering a position or right.

giving way

Suggests allowing someone or something to pass or proceed.

getting out of the way

A more informal way of saying "moving aside", often implying urgency.

making way

Emphasizes the action of creating space for someone or something.

clearing the path

Emphasizes the removal of obstacles to allow progress.

vacating the position

Specifically refers to leaving a role or job.

bowing out

Suggests a graceful or planned departure from a situation or role.

relinquishing control

Indicates giving up power or authority.

FAQs

What does "moving aside" mean?

"Moving aside" generally means to step out of the way, allowing someone or something to pass. It can also mean relinquishing a position or responsibility to someone else.

When should I use "moving aside" instead of "stepping aside"?

Both "moving aside" and "stepping aside" are quite similar, but "moving aside" can sometimes imply a more general shift or relinquishing of something, not just a physical step.

Are there more formal alternatives to "moving aside"?

Yes, in formal contexts, you could use phrases like "relinquishing control" or "vacating the position" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Can "moving aside" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "moving aside" is often used metaphorically to describe someone giving up a role or responsibility, such as "relinquishing control" in a company.