they proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they proceed" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing actions or steps taken by a subject in a process or sequence. Example: "After the meeting, they proceed to implement the new strategy." Alternative expressions include "they continue," "they move forward," and "they advance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And how will they proceed?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They proceed through copycat behaviour.

The Guardian - Opinion

I suggest they proceed with caution.

The New York Times

They proceed to force Connie's front and rear entries.

The New Yorker

They proceed in sequences of likenesses and differences.

The New York Times - Arts

However, how they proceed to do so is the object of enduring debates.

Acta Psychologica

After having reached the cortex, they proceed caudally primarily within the infragranular layers.

Experimental Neurology

Even when they proceed simultaneously, the predictions agree well with experimental results.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

With them in mind, investors might want to think five times about how they proceed.

The New York Times

How do you and they proceed?The army promises you protection.

The Economist

But, though they proceed by different methods, they are intimately related.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they proceed", ensure the context clearly establishes who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader. If not, then consider rephrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "they proceed" in very informal contexts like casual conversation, as it may sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "they go ahead" or "they continue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they proceed" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of moving forward or continuing in a particular course. It describes how a group acts or progresses, often following a specific plan or set of instructions. As Ludwig suggests, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they proceed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates the continuation of an action or process, often with a sense of order or planned progression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a range of contexts, from news reporting and academic writing to encyclopedic entries. While the phrase is versatile, it is crucial to ensure that the subject "they" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "they continue" or "they move forward" may be more appropriate in informal settings. As observed, based on the frequency, "they proceed" is a very common phrase and receives a high expert rating, confirming its reliability and widespread acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they continue

Focuses on the continuation of an action or process without necessarily implying a specific order or method.

they move forward

Emphasizes advancement or progress, often used in a more general or figurative sense.

they carry on

Suggests persistence and resilience in the face of challenges.

they advance

Implies strategic movement or development, often in a more formal context.

they go ahead

Indicates permission or willingness to start or initiate an action.

they act accordingly

Highlights acting in a suitable or fitting way with regard to something.

they take steps

Emphasizes the individual actions taken as part of a larger process.

they follow through

Stresses the completion of a task or commitment.

they execute

Focuses on the implementation or performance of a plan or task.

they undertake

Implies embarking on a significant or complex endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "they proceed" in a sentence?

Use "they proceed" to indicate the continuation of an action or process, often after a specific condition has been met or a decision has been made. For example, "Once the documents are approved, "they proceed" with the implementation phase".

What are some alternatives to "they proceed"?

You can use alternatives like "they continue", "they move forward", or "they go ahead" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "they proceed" formal or informal?

"They proceed" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase. It's suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts but may sound slightly out of place in very casual settings.

What is the difference between "they proceed" and "they continue"?

While both phrases indicate the continuation of an action, "they proceed" often implies a more structured or planned progression, whereas "they continue" simply means they keep doing something without necessarily implying a specific order or method.