remain in motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remain in motion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the state of something that continues to move or is not at rest. Example: "The planets in our solar system remain in motion around the sun due to gravitational forces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Not only are we expected to accept the fact that half of all Metro escalators will be out of service at any given time, but now we have Metro's First Law of Motion, with a nod to Isaac Newton: An escalator set in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an outside force.

The Washington Post

Most likely, he will remain in motion.

The New Yorker

Anything to remain in motion, so that he can avoid Chin's diagnosis.

The Guardian

A body in motion will remain in motion unless acted on by an outside force.

Harvard Business Review

To remain in motion is to survive in the mass of humanity struggling forward.

The New York Times

But get him chasing a squirrel and he'll remain in motion until acted on by an external force: me.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Costly, a late-game substitute with fresh legs, stayed upright and remained in motion, and so Beckham clung to him like a baby monkey, clasping him around his waist.

The New York Times

Before Nored's final shots, Mack, who remained in motion while out, came out to Nored during a timeout and said: "I know you're going to make these.

The New York Times - Sports

The distance keeps Mr. Assange safe from the prying eyes of the press, give or take my visit, but it also means that someone who has remained in motion for many years is now fixed in place, left to operate a shadowy global enterprise from a country farm north of London.

The New York Times

The stream creates change beyond itself by remaining in motion.

HuffPost

And, crucially, their durability depends on their ability to remain in constant motion.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "remain in motion" to describe a state where something continues to move unless acted upon by an external force, often in scientific or technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "remain in motion" in contexts where simpler phrases like "keep moving" would suffice. The phrase carries a connotation of inertia and is most appropriate when discussing forces or persistent states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain in motion" functions as a descriptive statement, often used in scientific or technical contexts to indicate a state of continuous movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

18%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remain in motion" is grammatically correct and frequently used to describe the state of something that continues to move, often in relation to scientific principles like Newton's first law of motion. As shown by Ludwig, while interchangeable with phrases like "stay in motion", it carries a slightly more formal and technical connotation. It appears most commonly in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral, its formality makes it suitable for technical or scientific discussions. It's important to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the concept of inertia or a continuous state of movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay in motion

Direct synonym; emphasizes the continuation of movement.

continue moving

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the movement, rather than the state.

persist in movement

Highlights the tenacity or endurance of the motion.

keep moving

A more casual way to express continuous movement or progress.

maintain momentum

Emphasizes the force and speed of the ongoing movement.

avoid cessation

Focuses on preventing the movement from stopping, rather than the movement itself.

never stop moving

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the movement.

roll on

Implies a continuous and often unstoppable forward movement.

go on moving

Focuses on the continued action of moving, rather than a state of motion.

progress continuously

Implies forward movement or advancement without interruption.

FAQs

How does "remain in motion" relate to Newton's first law?

The phrase "remain in motion" is directly linked to Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by a force.

What are some alternatives to "remain in motion"?

You can use alternatives such as "stay in motion", "continue moving", or "persist in movement" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "remain in motion" or "stay in motion"?

While both phrases are similar, "remain in motion" often carries a more scientific or technical connotation, particularly when referring to physical laws. "Stay in motion" is generally more informal and can be used in broader contexts.

Can "remain in motion" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "remain in motion" can be used metaphorically to describe a situation or process that continues without interruption or change, such as "The negotiations need to "remain in motion" to achieve a successful outcome."