proceeding

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "proceeding" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is most commonly used as a noun to refer to events that are currently in progress, such as a trial in court or a formal meeting. For example: "The proceeding in the courtroom was closely monitored by the media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were wrong that David Bentley, now injured and with a football career proceeding more slowly than even Beckham could trot, was a suitable replacement.

The Guardian - Opinion

No one will put pressure on them in terms of time, but things are proceeding.

The Guardian

Mrs Johnson storms to the PTA meeting, proceeding to expose their own misbehaviour and deeming them "all Harper Valley hypocrites".

The Guardian

Officials said the vote was proceeding satisfactorily despite "isolated incidents".

The Guardian

It was to this end that he had rented Nelly Zhang's house for four days, days in which he had written fluently and with conviction; to his surprise, because he was in the habit of proceeding hesitantly, and the book had been years in the making.

The Guardian - Books

He also accuses SNH of being asleep on its job of conserving these mammals throughout the last decade and then proceeding to cover up its failures when the Scottish Wildcat Association revealed last year that there may be as few as 35 pure Scottish wildcats in existence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Later in the episode, when Clare gets the first "date card" and asks Graham out, AshLee goes full-out Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction, locking herself in a bathroom and proceeding to perform an epic rant about the unjustness of the universe and the evilness that is Clare.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I begin to understand the idea better– it's an anarchist theory of organisation starting with insects and animals and proceeding to humans.

The Guardian - Books

It is a stupid and reprehensible way of proceeding, though Gordon Brown did it too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Forster characterises the Shorten bill as an effort to claim public ownership of the issue, rather than proceeding in cooperative spirit.

The Guardian

Ditching the cases against League leaders while proceeding with those against the Zias looks like Bangladeshi politics as usual: the family vendetta disguised as a two-party system.In this section Anarchy in the UK Central bankers to the rescue?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proceeding" in formal writing, ensure it aligns with the context, whether referring to an ongoing action or a collection of published academic papers. For example: "The investigation is currently proceeding smoothly" or "The conference proceedings were published online."

Common error

Avoid using "proceeding" in very informal or casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "going on" or "happening" to maintain a natural tone. For example, instead of saying "What's proceeding here?" say "What's going on here?"

Linguistic Context

The word "proceeding" functions as both a verb (present participle of "proceed") and a noun, denoting an ongoing action or a collection of academic papers, respectively. Ludwig highlights its versatile nature, adapting to different grammatical roles based on context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proceeding" is a versatile term frequently encountered in formal contexts. As Ludwig AI suggests, "proceeding" functions as both a verb and a noun, denoting an ongoing action or a set of formal records. Predominantly used in news, business, and scientific domains, its register leans towards neutral to formal. When writing, ensure the usage aligns with the intended context, favoring simpler alternatives in casual communication. As the examples indicate, "proceeding" effectively communicates the progression of events or refers to documented proceedings, making it a valuable asset in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressing

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes advancement or development.

continuing

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of an action or event.

advancing

Highlights the forward movement and overcoming of obstacles.

unfolding

Suggests a gradual revelation or development of events.

transpiring

Implies that events are happening or coming to pass.

developing

Emphasizes the growth and evolution of a situation.

evolving

Focuses on the gradual change and adaptation over time.

undertaking

Highlights the action of starting to do something

prosecuting

Specifically refers to taking legal action or pursuing a case.

executing

Emphasizes the act of carrying out a plan or order.

FAQs

How can I use "proceeding" in a sentence?

"Proceeding" can be used to describe an action that is currently in progress, or as a noun to refer to a formal event. For example: "The trial is "proceeding" as scheduled", or "The published conference "proceedings" are available online".

What is the difference between "proceeding" and "process"?

"Proceeding" refers to a specific event or action that is taking place, often in a formal context. "Process" refers to a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end. A "proceeding" might be part of a larger "process".

What are some synonyms for "proceeding"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "proceeding" can include "progressing", "continuing", "advancing", or "unfolding". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "proceeding" formal or informal?

"Proceeding" is generally considered a formal term. While it can be used in various contexts, it is more common in legal, academic, or business settings. For informal situations, simpler words may be more appropriate.