things proceeded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things proceeded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the continuation or development of events or actions in a narrative or discussion. Example: "After the initial meeting, things proceeded smoothly as the team began to implement the project plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Things proceeded smoothly until the hearing.

The New Yorker

Afterward, it seems, things proceeded smoothly for the painter.

The New Yorker

Happily for Moyes things proceeded much more smoothly with Ndong.

The Guardian - Sport

Things proceeded with muted goodwill for half an hour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Things proceeded for Ms. Zacker and Mr. Feldman more or less without a hitch, and along came Jaron.

The New York Times

It didn't: Croatia refused to take back the Moroccans, the Slovenians shrugged, and things proceeded again as usual.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But sometimes, things proceed in the opposite direction.

The New York Times

As things proceed, Heidi the art historian is forgotten.

The New York Times - Books

If things proceed on schedule, the 60,000-square-foot museum should open in about four years.

The New York Times - Arts

For the most part, however, corps officials were pleased to see things proceeding better than they had hoped.

The New York Times

But how can things proceed when Keats cannot afford to marry and is already married to his work?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "things proceeded", ensure that the context clearly establishes what "things" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject or situation at the beginning of the sentence or preceding sentences.

Common error

Avoid using "things proceeded" too frequently without specifying what "things" refers to. Over-reliance on vague terms weakens writing and can confuse readers. Instead, replace it with a more descriptive noun or phrase to add clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things proceeded" functions as a clause element, typically followed by an adverb or prepositional phrase to describe how the events unfolded. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things proceeded" is a commonly used phrase that describes the continuation or unfolding of events. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various writing styles. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying what "things" refers to and avoiding overuse. Alternatives such as "events unfolded" or "matters progressed" can add nuance and precision to writing. The phrase finds frequent use in news media, science and general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

events unfolded

Replaces "things" with "events", focusing on the sequence of occurrences rather than a general state.

matters progressed

Substitutes "things" with "matters", suggesting a more formal or serious tone about the situation.

the situation evolved

Replaces "things" with "the situation", emphasizing change and development over time.

developments ensued

Indicates that specific developments followed a particular action or event, offering a slightly more formal tone.

the process continued

Focuses specifically on the continuation of a process, highlighting ongoing action.

steps were taken

Highlights specific actions taken to move forward, emphasizing agency and intentionality.

the plan advanced

Implies a structured approach, where a specific plan is moving forward as intended.

everything progressed

Adds a sense of completeness, implying that all aspects of a situation are advancing.

the affair advanced

This alternative is more specific, implying an event of public interest, as in politics or business, has moved forward.

operations advanced

This suggests a project or organized action has advanced.

FAQs

How can I use "things proceeded" in a sentence?

The phrase "things proceeded" is generally followed by an adverb that specifies how the events are unfolding. For example, "things proceeded smoothly", or "things proceeded as planned".

What are some alternatives to "things proceeded"?

Alternatives include "events unfolded", "matters progressed", or "the situation evolved". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "things proceeded" or "everything proceeded"?

While both are grammatically correct, "everything proceeded" implies a more comprehensive scope, suggesting that all aspects of a situation advanced. "Things proceeded" is more general and can refer to specific aspects or elements.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "things proceeded"?

The phrase "things proceeded" is appropriate in various contexts where you want to describe the continuation or development of events, tasks, or plans. It is suitable for describing both positive and negative progressions, depending on the adverb used with it.