to take things forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to take things forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to moving forward with a task, activity, or conversation. For example: We need to take things forward and discuss ways to resolve this issue.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Q: Are you the right person to take things forward?

The Guardian

And so this is the moment to take things forward".

The Guardian

Nicholson says he understands what needs to be done to take things forward.

The Guardian

This time round, there were also new gameplay elements – "nommies" – to take things forward.

The Guardian - Tech

However, while the paint can act as a catalyst, communities themselves have to take things forward".

The Guardian

It's up to us, it's up to everybody, to listen to them and to take things forward in a positive way.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Ultimately, if given the opportunity at international level, I want to try and take things forward with my home country.

BBC

Turnbull says he had to sort out problems and take things forward.

The Guardian

"I'm really pleased that our chairman Steve O'Connor and chief executive James Rule believe I am the right person to continue this work and take things forward," Betts told the club website. .

BBC

"This is gunboat irresponsible diplomacy that is taking place by the employer and they need to put an end to this and get back to dignified and reasonable negotiations where we can take things forward here".

BBC

"But while it's out there as a threat then it makes it very difficult to engage with the SPL about how we might take things forward when they still might want to go backwards.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to take things forward" when you want to emphasize the continuation of a process or plan, especially after a pause or review.

Common error

Avoid using "to take things forward" for simple, everyday actions. It is more appropriate for significant initiatives or strategic decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to take things forward" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to indicate the action of progressing or advancing a situation or project. Ludwig shows that it commonly appears after discussions or planning phases.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

19%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to take things forward" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to convey the idea of progressing or advancing a plan, discussion, or project. Ludwig's analysis shows it's often found in news and business contexts, indicating a neutral register. While it is suitable for various situations, it's most effective when used in contexts involving strategic decisions or significant initiatives. Consider related phrases like "to advance matters" or "to move ahead" to tailor the tone to your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to move ahead

Simple and direct, emphasizing forward movement.

to advance matters

Focuses on moving issues or situations ahead.

to progress further

Emphasizes the idea of making additional progress.

to make headway

Suggests overcoming obstacles to progress.

to push onward

Suggests a continued effort to move forward.

to forge ahead

Emphasizes determination in moving forward.

to continue the work

Highlights the ongoing nature of the task.

to carry on

A more informal way to express continuing progress.

to keep the ball rolling

An idiomatic expression for maintaining momentum.

to build on success

Focuses on leveraging existing achievements to move forward.

FAQs

How can I use "to take things forward" in a sentence?

You can use "to take things forward" to suggest making progress after a discussion or decision, as in, "Now that we have a plan, we need to "take things forward" and implement it."

What's a more formal alternative to "to take things forward"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "to advance matters" or "to progress further", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated register.

Is "to take things forward" appropriate for business writing?

Yes, "to take things forward" is suitable for business writing when discussing strategic plans, project continuations, or the next steps in a process. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of the document.

What's the difference between "to take things forward" and "to move on"?

"To take things forward" implies building upon something, making progress from a current state. "To move on", on the other hand, suggests leaving something behind and starting something new, not necessarily continuing a previous effort.