to proceed with

USAGE SUMMARY

"to proceed with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to continue doing something. For example, "They decided to proceed with the project despite the financial setbacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You have to proceed with caution".

The New York Times

But organizations need to proceed with caution.

Harvard Business Review

So she decided to proceed with divorce".

The New York Times

They may agree to proceed with Brexit.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Legislature needs to proceed with caution.

The New York Times

Click "Continue" to proceed with account activation.

Columbia University

The decision to proceed with knee surgery is serious.

The New York Times - Health

The right course is to proceed, with caution and care.

The Washington Post

"We are going to proceed with tax reform," Ryan said.

The Washington Post

But he had decided not to proceed with a lawsuit.

The New Yorker

He still plans to proceed with his proposals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to proceed with", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or plan is being continued or initiated. For clarity, specify the subject after the phrase. For example, instead of saying "We will proceed with", specify "We will proceed with the project".

Common error

A common mistake is using "to proceed with" without a clear reference to what is being proceeded with. Always ensure the subject is explicitly stated or clearly implied in the context. Example: Instead of just saying "Let's proceed with", state "Let's proceed with the analysis".

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to proceed with" functions primarily as a verbal phrase that introduces or continues an action. Ludwig examples show it frequently used to express decisions or intentions regarding a course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to proceed with" is a very common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to indicate the continuation or initiation of an action or plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard phrase in English, used across various contexts, but primarily found in news, scientific, and academic writing. While applicable in formal and informal settings, ensuring clarity by explicitly stating the subject of the action is a best practice. Remember to avoid vague references and use the phrase to clearly communicate intent, as showcased by numerous examples on Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to continue forward with

Emphasizes the ongoing nature and direction of the action.

to move ahead with

Suggests advancement and progress in undertaking something.

to go on with

A simpler, more direct way of expressing continuation.

to carry on with

Highlights persistence and maintaining the course of action.

to advance with

Implies making progress and moving forward in a structured manner.

to push forward with

Adds a sense of determination and overcoming obstacles.

to get on with

Focuses on starting or resuming activity without delay.

to keep going with

Emphasizes maintaining momentum and not stopping.

to start with

Focuses on beginning an activity or task.

to undertake

Highlights the act of committing to and starting a project or task.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to proceed with" is used to indicate that an action or plan will be continued or initiated. For example, "After the review, we decided "to proceed with" the project".

What are some alternatives to "to proceed with"?

You can use alternatives such as "to continue forward with", "to move ahead with", or "to go on with", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "to proceed with" or "to continue with"?

Both "to proceed with" and "to continue with" are acceptable. "To proceed with" often implies starting or continuing after a pause, while "to continue with" simply means to keep going.

When should I use "to proceed with caution"?

Use "to proceed with caution" when you need to emphasize the need for careful and deliberate action, especially when there are potential risks or uncertainties. For example, "Given the complexity of the data, it's advisable "to proceed with caution" during the analysis".