to sail forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to sail forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an actual physical boat (as in a metaphor for making progress) or when talking about a figurative journey. For example: "The team was determined to sail forward and face the challenge head on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In the language of aviators and sailors, ours is to sail forward now, all balls out.

Huffington Post

Upon hearing that the captain had ordered the ship to sail forward after it had struck a sandbar, La Salle became convinced that the captain had deliberately grounded the ship.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

You can cut the engine on a speedboat, but the boat will still sail forward for some time before coming to a stop, and that's where we are in the crisis.

Huffington Post

Mankind sails forward through time in seas that are sometimes calm, sometimes stormy.

The New York Times

The ship sails forward, through a silent crescent of Vietnamese and Cambodian fishing boats, beneath an impossibly broad and luminous canopy of stars.

The Economist

Whether anyone will want a government-sanctioned style is another matter.In this section Taking it on the chin Sailing forward ReprintsOf mullahs and mulletsAcross the world, there are probably more arguments over women's hair or headgear than over the hair on men's heads.

The Economist

Even as the Atlantic Yards project sailed forward with hardly a concession from Mr. Ratner (whose company is also building this newspaper's new headquarters), two other high-profile projects were voted down: the Norman Foster tower on Manhattan's Upper East Side and the Jets stadium on the Far West Side.

The New York Times

Had they not been there, the bill would have sailed forward.

Huffington Post

The collision severely damaged her bow and she had to sail slowly to Trondheim for emergency repairs lest the forward bulkhead collapse.

Wikipedia

This is accomplished by adjusting one's hold on the double boom in order to rake the sail forward or aft, windward or leeward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From here, Gary and I were booked to sail round the Whitsundays, one of the activities I'd been looking forward to all trip!

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to sail forward" to convey a sense of purpose and direction, especially when facing challenges or uncertainty. The phrase evokes a sense of adventure and resilience.

Common error

Avoid using "to sail forward" in contexts where a literal, non-metaphorical meaning is required. It's best suited for situations where you want to evoke a sense of progress or journey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to sail forward" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to describe an intended action or purpose. It carries a metaphorical weight, suggesting a journey and progress, in line with Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to sail forward" is a grammatically correct infinitive phrase that evokes a sense of purposeful movement and progress, often in the context of overcoming challenges. As Ludwig highlights, it's usable in various forms of written English but with a slightly metaphorical sense. While found mostly in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki, it is not a very common expression. When using it, be mindful of the implied journey and avoid overly literal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to advance onward

Replaces "sail" with "advance" and "forward" with "onward", both suggesting movement in a direction.

to proceed ahead

Uses "proceed" instead of "sail", maintaining the sense of moving forward.

to progress onward

Emphasizes progress alongside direction.

to move forward

A more general and literal expression of advancing.

to journey ahead

Emphasizes the idea of a journey or path being taken.

to head forward

Suggests a direction being taken.

to push onward

Suggests effort and determination in moving forward.

to press forward

Implies a determined continuation despite obstacles.

to make headway

Focuses on making progress against resistance.

to forge ahead

Suggests creating a new path or overcoming significant challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "to sail forward" in a sentence?

You can use "to sail forward" to describe making progress, especially when facing challenges. For example: "Despite the setbacks, the company was determined to sail forward with its new strategy."

What is a good alternative to "to sail forward"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to move forward", "to progress onward", or "to advance onward", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "to sail forward"?

It's appropriate when you want to evoke a sense of purpose and direction, often suggesting a journey or overcoming obstacles. It's less suitable in purely literal or technical contexts.

What's the difference between "to sail forward" and "to move forward"?

"To move forward" is a more general term, simply indicating progress. "To sail forward" implies a journey, often with challenges, and a sense of purpose, carrying a stronger metaphorical weight.