things started moving

USAGE SUMMARY

"things started moving" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where things that were previously stagnant or inactive suddenly began to progress or change. Example: After months of planning and preparation, things finally started moving when the new CEO took charge and implemented new strategies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Things started moving a little too fast".

The New York Times

Although the issue had been debated in the town for years, things started moving quickly about three weeks ago.

The New York Times

One of my ewes was HUGE and down with bloat so I made her get up and walk and walk and walk until things started moving through her.

Cornell University

The bank's bosses pledged to focus single-mindedly on traditional high-street banking – and to be fair, things started moving pretty quickly.

The Guardian - Business

The decision of former foreign secretary William Hague to stand down, a month before Warsi, robbed the department, she says, of ministerial experience and intellect and from there, things started "moving backwards". Momentum to solve the Palestinian issue is now so flat that "there is no show in town".

The Guardian

We feel that this leg of the recovery started on fundamentals things simply were not as bad as the market was pricing them, and once things started moving we saw cash move into the markets as people were afraid of missing the recovery.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Sometimes you panic and things start moving faster and faster, and I think that's what happened to me.

The New York Times

"Once things start moving," Balmond said, "they take up a completely new geometry, and they also take up new properties.

The New Yorker

Once things start moving forward however, the trick is to have high-quality, streamlined processes for everything your business does or plans to do," explains Mishchenko.

Forbes

However, once things start moving it is clear that this new DOOM is extremely fast-paced, with an emphasis on constantly moving during combat to avoid enemy attacks while dishing out your own.

Vice

The company says it knows the robo bug doesn't look like an insect, but used stainless steel components and rubber joints to achieve a realistic animal-like effect when the thing starts moving.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things started moving" to describe a shift from a static state to one of progress or activity. Ensure the context clearly indicates what "things" refers to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "things started moving" when the subject is unclear or too abstract. Specify the actors or elements that are initiating the action to provide a more concrete and informative statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things started moving" functions as a clause expressing a change of state. It describes a transition from inactivity to activity or progress. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in varied contexts, from business developments to personal circumstances, affirming its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things started moving" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a transition from inactivity to progress, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is frequently found in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for general use. When writing, ensure the context clarifies what "things" refers to, and avoid overuse in vague situations. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "progress initiated" or "activity commenced". Ludwig's examples effectively illustrate the phrase's versatility and application across diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

things began to progress

Focuses on the progress aspect, replacing "moving" with a more formal term.

things started to advance

Similar to "progress", but emphasizes forward movement.

things picked up speed

Highlights the increase in pace or momentum.

things got underway

Indicates the commencement of a process or activity.

activity commenced

A formal way of saying that activity has begun.

progress initiated

Highlights the beginning of progress, suitable for formal contexts.

the ball started rolling

An idiomatic expression implying that plans or processes are in motion.

wheels were set in motion

Emphasizes the activation of a process or plan.

things gained momentum

Focuses on the increasing force or speed of progress.

action was triggered

Highlights a specific event or action that initiated movement.

FAQs

How can I use "things started moving" in a sentence?

Use "things started moving" to describe a transition from a stagnant state to one of progress or activity. For instance, "After the new management took over, "things started moving" quickly in the company".

What's a more formal alternative to "things started moving"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "progress initiated" or "activity commenced". These options provide a similar meaning but are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What does "things started moving" imply?

"Things started moving" implies a shift from a state of inactivity or stagnation to one of progress and action. It suggests that previously static elements are now in motion.

What can I say instead of "things started moving" when emphasizing speed?

If you want to emphasize the speed of the progress, use alternatives like "things picked up speed" or "things gained momentum". These options highlight the increasing pace of the action.