slowly moving forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slowly moving forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where progress is being made, though slowly. For example: "We are slowly moving forward with the project, but still have a long road ahead of us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

We are slowly moving forward".

The New York Times

We're slowly moving forward, but we're just at the cusp.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, companies are slowly moving forward with their plans.

The New York Times

Asked if Mr. Wen's visit had essentially accomplished little except maintain the status quo, Ms. Rao said the relationship was slowly moving forward.

The New York Times

Note the number of people who wait for a light to change by standing in the street and slowly moving forward into the traffic lanes.

The New York Times

The way some people went on, anyone would think that Madonna had been hanging from a trapeze in a see-through thong, rather than slowly moving forward in a billowing cape.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But it always slowly moved forward, one way or another".

The Guardian - Film

Females, however, usually quietly back up slightly and then slowly move forward again.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Go! Go! Go!" she shouted as faces and cameras pressed against the window, and the car slowly moved forward.

The New York Times

They were all linked arm in arm throughout as they slowly moved forward on the two-mile walk.

The New York Times

It is the figure of a woman in a long black dress who slowly moves forward into the light.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slowly moving forward" when you want to emphasize that progress is being made, even if it's not as fast as desired. It's useful for managing expectations or acknowledging challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "slowly moving forward" too frequently in the same text. While accurate, it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "gradually advancing" or "making incremental progress" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slowly moving forward" functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It typically describes the state or manner in which something is progressing. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slowly moving forward" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes gradual progress. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While effective, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "gradually advancing" to enhance clarity and engagement. The phrase's neutral tone makes it suitable for various situations where acknowledging progress at a measured pace is necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually advancing

Focuses on the gradual nature of the advancement.

progressing steadily

Highlights the consistent and unwavering nature of the progress.

making incremental progress

Emphasizes the small steps being taken.

inching ahead

Conveys a sense of very slow and laborious progress.

advancing at a snail's pace

Uses a metaphor to illustrate the slowness of the advancement.

developing gradually

Highlights the gradual development or evolution of something.

gaining ground slowly

Focuses on the gradual acquisition of an advantage or position.

creeping forward

Suggests a cautious and almost imperceptible movement.

laboriously progressing

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in making progress.

unfolding gradually

Focuses on the gradual revelation or development of something.

FAQs

How can I use "slowly moving forward" in a sentence?

You can use "slowly moving forward" to describe a process or project that is making progress, albeit at a slow pace. For example, "The negotiations are "slowly moving forward", but there are still significant obstacles to overcome."

What are some alternatives to "slowly moving forward"?

Some alternatives include "gradually advancing", "progressing steadily", or "making incremental progress". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "slowly moving forward"?

While "moving forward" implies progress, adding "slowly" emphasizes the pace. It's not necessarily redundant if you want to highlight that the progress is not rapid or that there are challenges slowing it down. However, consider if "gradually advancing" might be a more concise option.

What's the difference between "slowly moving forward" and "stalling"?

"Slowly moving forward" indicates some degree of progress, even if it's minimal. "Stalling", on the other hand, suggests that progress has stopped altogether. If there's any advancement, however small, "slowly moving forward" is the more accurate description.