moving in the same direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'moving in the same direction' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe two or more entities making progress toward a common goal. For example, "We have been working together for a long time, and it feels like we are finally moving in the same direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are moving in the same direction".

The New York Times

Other countries are moving in the same direction.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Administration's political operatives were moving in the same direction.

The New Yorker

Other states are moving in the same direction.

The New Yorker

Lizards were moving in the same direction, moving very quickly.

The Guardian - Books

You can't assume that everybody's moving in the same direction.

The New York Times

California may be moving in the same direction.

The New York Times

Other auto companies are moving in the same direction.

The New York Times

Everyone onstage laughed along, all moving in the same direction.

The New York Times - Arts

The European Union is moving in the same direction.

The Economist

The Dutch are moving in the same direction.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moving in the same direction" to emphasize agreement and unified progress toward a specific objective. This highlights collaboration and shared goals.

Common error

Avoid using "moving in the same direction" when simply describing objects traveling parallel without a shared purpose; instead, use it to convey coordinated efforts or converging objectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moving in the same direction" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify verbs and describe how actions are performed. It indicates a manner of progression or operation, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

9%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moving in the same direction" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase that conveys the idea of alignment and coordinated effort toward a shared goal. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently used in news and media, academia, and science, with a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. To enhance writing, it's essential to use this phrase when conveying a sense of unified progress, and avoid it when describing mere parallel movement without a shared purpose. Semantically related phrases include "heading in the same direction" and "progressing together", offering nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heading in the same direction

Emphasizes the direction of movement rather than the action itself.

advancing in unison

Highlights coordinated progress and a sense of unity.

progressing together

Focuses on the collaborative aspect of making headway.

working towards a common goal

Stresses the shared objective guiding the actions.

aligned in purpose

Highlights the agreement and shared intention behind the actions.

on the same path

Implies a shared journey or course of action.

acting in concert

Focuses on coordinated actions and harmonious efforts.

pulling in the same direction

Emphasizes the effort and collaborative force being applied.

in alignment with each other

Highlights the state of agreement and mutual support.

sharing a common vision

Focuses on the unified future outlook and guiding principle.

FAQs

What does "moving in the same direction" mean?

The phrase "moving in the same direction" typically means that individuals, groups, or entities are progressing or working towards a common goal or objective. It suggests alignment and cooperation.

How can I use "moving in the same direction" in a sentence?

You might say, "After the merger, the two companies were finally "moving in the same direction", streamlining their operations" or "It's crucial for team members to be "moving in the same direction" to achieve project success".

What are some alternatives to "moving in the same direction"?

You can use alternatives like "working towards a common goal", "progressing together", or "aligned in purpose" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "moving in the same direction"?

Yes, "moving in the same direction" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It follows standard grammatical rules and is widely understood.