to proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to proceed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when someone wants to continue a process or conversation. For example, you might say, "Now that we have discussed the issue, we can proceed with making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He decided to proceed.

The New Yorker

How, then, to proceed?

The New York Times

How to proceed?

The New York Times

So how to proceed?

The Economist

Finally allowed to proceed.

The New Yorker

So, how to proceed?

The New York Times - Books

Would it help to proceed more slowly?

The New York Times

But the commissioners must vote to proceed.

The New York Times

So this is the way to proceed.

The New York Times

I wasn't sure how to proceed.

The New York Times

"We have decided to proceed," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to proceed" when you want to clearly indicate the continuation of a process, discussion, or action after an interruption or preparatory stage.

Common error

Don't use "to proceed" when a simpler alternative like "to continue" or "to go ahead" would be more direct and clear. Overusing formal language can make your writing seem stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to proceed" functions as an infinitive, often used to indicate the purpose or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI points out, it commonly introduces a subsequent step or phase in a process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

33%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to proceed" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase, primarily functioning as an infinitive to indicate the continuation or progression of an action or process. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across diverse contexts, from WikiHow articles to reports in The New York Times, albeit with a leaning towards neutral to formal communication. While highly versatile, writers should be mindful of potentially stilted language in casual contexts and consider alternatives like "to continue" or "to go ahead" where appropriate. Considering these nuances, "to proceed" remains a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to continue

Suggests maintaining an ongoing state or activity.

to carry on

This implies continuing an action or task without interruption.

to move forward

Focuses on advancing from a current position or situation.

to go ahead

Indicates giving permission or starting something.

to advance

Implies making progress or moving to a higher level.

to press on

Emphasizes determination and persistence in continuing.

to keep going

Highlights the act of maintaining momentum.

to push forward

Suggests overcoming obstacles to continue.

to make progress

Highlights the act of moving toward the desired goal.

to get on with

Implies moving forward efficiently.

FAQs

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

You can use "to proceed" to indicate the continuation of an action, process, or discussion. For example, "Now that we have gathered all the necessary information, we can proceed with the investigation."

What are some alternatives to "to proceed"?

Alternatives include "to continue", "to carry on", "to go ahead", or "to move forward", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "to proceed" than "to continue"?

Yes, "to proceed" is generally considered more formal than "to continue". Choose the word that best suits the tone and audience of your writing.

When is it inappropriate to use "to proceed"?

While generally acceptable, using "to proceed" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. In such contexts, alternatives like "to go ahead" or "to continue" might be more suitable.