the ball is rolling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the ball is rolling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is already in motion. For example, "The project is well underway; the ball is already rolling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Slip your foot under and past the ball (while the ball is rolling), allowing the ball to roll in the same direction.

WikiHow

So the ball is rolling.

The Telegraph

Now the ball is rolling.

The Washington Post

"The ball is rolling good on the greens.

The New York Times - Sports

"Just a minor adjustment in the setup and the ball is rolling on line now".

The New York Times - Sports

Once the ball is rolling, the troll farms go to work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The ball was rolling.

The New York Times

But, once the ball was rolling, there was no way I could stop it.

The New Yorker

He said he wanted to rush over and remove the pin as the ball was rolling.

The New York Times - Sports

The problem for Liverpool was that Karius was now out of position and the ball was rolling invitingly towards Rashford.

The Guardian - Sport

But once the ball was rolling, and people saw how committed he and Catherine were, some "very brave" people and celebrities came forward to speak out.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the ball is rolling", make sure the context clearly defines what 'the ball' refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your audience understands what process or activity is in motion.

Common error

Avoid using "the ball is rolling" if the outcome is still uncertain or heavily reliant on future actions. This idiom implies a degree of inevitability, so it's best reserved for situations where progress is steady and likely to continue.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "the ball is rolling" is to act as an idiomatic expression indicating that a process or activity has begun and is progressing. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It is commonly used to convey a sense of momentum and forward movement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

19%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the ball is rolling" is a common idiomatic phrase used to convey that a process or project has started and is progressing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's generally neutral in register, making it suitable for a variety of contexts, though perhaps less so for very formal writing. While "the ball is rolling" implies momentum and progress, ensure the context is clear and that the outcome is indeed reasonably certain before using this expression. Consider alternatives like "things are underway" or "momentum is building" to fine-tune the specific nuance. Be aware that misuse can create ambiguity for the readers and that there are other words you could use that sound more professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

things are underway

Focuses on the general progress of multiple unspecified tasks or activities.

the process has begun

Highlights the initiation of a specific process.

momentum is building

Emphasizes the increasing speed and force behind an activity.

wheels are in motion

Suggests that the necessary mechanisms are activated and working.

progress is being made

Simply states that advancement is occurring.

the project is advancing

Specifically refers to the forward movement of a defined project.

things are in progress

Indicates that activities are currently happening.

the initiative has started

Focuses on the commencement of a new undertaking.

action is being taken

Emphasizes the active steps being implemented.

the groundwork is laid

Indicates that preparatory steps have been completed, and further action is imminent.

FAQs

How can I use "the ball is rolling" in a sentence?

You can use "the ball is rolling" to indicate that a process, project, or initiative has started and is progressing well. For example, "Now that we have secured funding, "the ball is rolling" on the new marketing campaign".

What does it mean when someone says "the ball is rolling"?

When someone says "the ball is rolling", it means that something has already started and is in progress. It implies that the initial effort has been made, and the process is now moving forward on its own momentum.

What's a good alternative to "the ball is rolling"?

Good alternatives to "the ball is rolling" include "things are underway", "the process has begun", or "momentum is building" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the ball is rolling" in a formal setting?

While "the ball is rolling" is generally acceptable in most contexts, it might be perceived as slightly informal for highly formal or academic writing. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "the process has commenced" or "progress is being made".