take things forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take things forward" is both correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation in which progress is being made in some way. For example, "We need to come up with a plan to take things forward with the project".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The SHA must now decide how they take things forward".

The Guardian

Q: Are you the right person to take things forward?

The Guardian

And so this is the moment to take things forward".

The Guardian

"Paul Nuttal will be deputy leader during that period and we will take things forward".

Independent

Turnbull says he had to sort out problems and take things forward.

The Guardian

Nicholson says he understands what needs to be done to take things forward.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

We're trying to build a positive, optimistic platform for taking things forward.

The New York Times

The task is to find in yourself what will help you respond via a dialogue that takes things forward, rather than via an emotional release that simply leaves you feeling miserable.

The Guardian

"It will be for Ms Crail in the first instance to review the matter as it stands, and to take a view as to the most appropriate process for taking things forward," said a spokesperson for the council.

BBC

If they are going to keep Moyes they have got to show him that there is a real prospect of a way forward, not that there is no way he can take things further forward and break into the top six again.

BBC

"But our generation wants to push the limits and take things further forward.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take things forward" when you want to emphasize the idea of continuing a process, project, or discussion towards a resolution or improvement. It suggests a proactive approach to making progress.

Common error

While "take things forward" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very informal conversations. Simpler alternatives like "continue" or "proceed" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "take things forward" is that of a phrasal verb, functioning as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of progressing or advancing a situation. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take things forward" is a common and versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of progressing or advancing a situation. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and applicability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the formality of the context and adjust accordingly. Alternatives like "advance matters" or "push ahead" can offer different nuances depending on the specific situation. Overall, "take things forward" serves as a reliable expression to convey the intention of achieving progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

further progress

Highlights the act of incremental improvement and development.

advance matters

More formal and emphasizes progress in a situation or negotiation.

make headway

Focuses on achieving tangible progress in a task.

push ahead

Suggests overcoming obstacles to continue progress.

drive forward

Highlights a strong and directed effort to advance.

build upon

Suggests using existing foundations to create advancement.

move onward

Emphasizes the act of continuing a journey or project.

forge ahead

Suggests creating a new path or direction with progress.

capitalize on

Emphasizes the act of taking advantage of an opportunity to advance.

propel onward

Implies force and momentum in continuing forward.

FAQs

How can I use "take things forward" in a sentence?

You can use "take things forward" to indicate how a situation or project will progress. For example, "We need a strategy to "take things forward" with the marketing campaign".

What does "take things forward" mean?

The phrase "take things forward" means to make progress or advance a situation, project, or discussion. It implies a proactive approach to moving towards a resolution or improvement.

Which is more appropriate: "take things forward" or "move things forward"?

Both "take things forward" and "move things forward" are acceptable and often interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. However, consider that "move things forward" may be slightly more common in general usage.

What can I say instead of "take things forward"?

You can use alternatives like "advance matters", "push ahead", or "make headway" depending on the context.