started moving onward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started moving onward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of beginning to progress or advance in a particular direction or situation. Example: "After a brief pause, the group started moving onward towards their destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unexpectedly, three bodies started moving.

The New York Times

Start moving.

Harvard University

The boats start moving.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, other organs start moving.

The New York Times - Science

Eventually we did start moving.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The wheels start moving.

Los Angeles Times

Start moving things around.

WikiHow

Start moving your body.

WikiHow

Start moving down.

WikiHow

Start moving the tooth.

WikiHow

Start moving softly.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "started to advance" or "began moving forward" for clearer communication, especially in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "onward" excessively in casual conversation or writing, as it can sound overly formal or archaic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "forward" or "ahead" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started moving onward" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of an action involving forward progression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct, acting as a description of initiating movement in a specific direction.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started moving onward" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the beginning of forward movement or progression. While Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness, its usage is infrequent, suggesting that more common alternatives like "started moving forward" or "began progressing" may be preferred in many contexts. The phrase carries a slightly formal tone, making it suitable for neutral contexts like news and media, but potentially less appropriate for casual conversation. Overall, while understandable, writers should be mindful of the context and consider simpler, more widely used alternatives for clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to move forward

Replaces "onward" with the more common "forward", simplifying the phrase.

started to advance

A more common and straightforward alternative, lacking the slight formality of "onward".

started progressing

Omits "moving" and focuses solely on the act of progressing.

began progressing

Focuses on the continuous nature of the movement rather than just its commencement.

commenced to progress

Uses "progress" instead of "move onward", suggesting a gradual development.

commenced advancing

Emphasizes a formal start of forward motion.

began the progression

Similar to "began progressing" but framed as a noun phrase.

initiated the advance

More direct, focusing on the initiation of the action.

initiated forward movement

Highlights the act of beginning a forward direction.

set out to proceed

Implies a deliberate intention to continue.

FAQs

What does "started moving onward" mean?

The phrase "started moving onward" means to have begun progressing or advancing in a particular direction or situation. It indicates the commencement of a forward movement or progression.

What are some alternatives to "started moving onward"?

Alternatives include "began progressing", "commenced advancing", or "started to advance". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "started moving onward" grammatically correct?

Yes, "started moving onward" is grammatically correct, but it may sound somewhat formal or less common than alternatives like "started to move forward."

When is it appropriate to use "started moving onward"?

It's appropriate to use "started moving onward" in contexts where a slightly formal or emphatic tone is desired. However, in more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "started moving forward" might be preferable.