speed things along

USAGE SUMMARY

"speed things along" is correct and usable in written English when you are trying to indicate that you are trying to go at a faster pace or trying to expedite the process.
Example sentence: Let's try to speed things along so we can finish this project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The company is taking steps to try to speed things along, including creating a second burrito "make line" in the back for filling digital food orders.

The Washington Post

To help speed things along, get a handle on your family's overall financial situation — all credit cards, debt, mortgage, investments, retirement plans.

BBC

If you want to speed things along, though, another credit account or two should help.

Los Angeles Times

He has no incentive to speed things along.

The New Yorker

You can speed things along with any bump or a random touch of the screen.

The New York Times

As the city's largest employer, the University of Manchester has the potential to speed things along.

The Guardian

It's free to download and play, with in-app purchases to speed things along.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Meese, awaiting Senate confirmation, had every incentive to speed things along.

The New York Times

To speed things along, the F.C.C. last month ordered TV manufacturers to install digital tuners in most sets by 2007.

The New York Times

Pot barley takes longer to cook than pearl, but an overnight soak in water will speed things along.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lines will grow, waiting times will rise, and screeners will face added pressure to speed things along.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "speed things along", ensure the context clearly indicates what process or activity is being accelerated. Avoid vagueness by specifying the intended outcome or goal of the accelerated action.

Common error

While "speed things along" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives such as "expedite the process" or "accelerate progress" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speed things along" functions as a verb phrase. It typically acts as a transitive verb, taking a direct object (the 'things' that are being sped along). As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speed things along" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the act of accelerating a process or activity. As Ludwig AI points out, it is considered correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, as demonstrated by the examples, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, though more formal options may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. While the examples show varied application, it's key to ensure clarity about what exactly is being expedited. When considering alternative phrasing, options like ""expedite the process"" or ""accelerate progress"" offer a similar meaning, but may be better suited for certain more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expedite the process

Focuses on making a process faster and more efficient. It is slightly more formal.

accelerate progress

Emphasizes the forward movement and advancement of a project or goal.

hasten the pace

Highlights increasing the rate at which something is done, often implying a sense of urgency.

move things forward

A more general phrase suggesting advancement but not necessarily at a faster rate.

push things through

Suggests overcoming obstacles to complete something quickly.

make haste

Implies a sense of urgency and quick action; somewhat archaic.

step on the gas

An idiomatic expression meaning to increase speed or effort, more informal.

get a move on

An informal way to encourage quicker action.

jump-start the process

Implies initiating or revitalizing a process to increase its speed.

catalyze the action

Suggests initiating and accelerating a process through some trigger event.

FAQs

How can I use "speed things along" in a sentence?

You can use "speed things along" to suggest making a process faster or more efficient. For example, "Adding more staff can "speed things along" with the project."

What are some alternatives to "speed things along"?

Alternatives include "expedite the process", "accelerate progress", or "hasten the pace", depending on the level of formality required.

Is "speed things along" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "speed things along" is more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using "expedite the process" or "accelerate progress".

Which is correct, "speed things along" or "speed up things"?

Both "speed things along" and "speed up things" are grammatically correct, but "speed things along" may sound more natural in certain contexts, particularly when referring to a process. "Speed up things" is also common and acceptable.