unable to move forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"unable to move forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase often used to describe a situation where progress or advancement is not possible. Example: After facing multiple financial setbacks, the company was unable to move forward with their plans for expansion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lions Gate, meanwhile, is unable to move forward.

The New York Times

Why is she so paralyzed — unable to move forward with her life?

The New Yorker

Unable to move forward or back, I spent most of the summer in a stupor.

The New York Times

In both cases, the snakes were unable to move forward, no matter how much they wriggled.

The New York Times - Science

feelings of being stuck or unable to move forward (however slowly and painfully) in the grieving process.

Harvard University

In that way, the majority was unable to move forward with what the Democrats called "wrongful bills".

The New York Times

Unable to move forward, Americans glanced back and found consolation in images of the sturdy agrarian past.

The New York Times - Books

The head is dissociated from the body, stuck in space and unable to move forward or back.

The New York Times

Most of the institutions that have served us well for decades – even centuries – seem frozen and unable to move forward.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Okinawa has been shackled by past history and unable to move forward like the rest of Japan.

The New York Times

During the shutdown, the agency is unable to move forward with federally managed cleanups or plan new ones.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to move forward", ensure the context clearly defines what is preventing the advancement. Providing this context strengthens the sentence and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to move forward" as a vague statement. Instead of saying a project is "unable to move forward", specify the reason for the stagnation (e.g., "unable to move forward due to lack of funding").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to move forward" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of progression or advancement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unable to move forward" is a versatile and common expression used to describe a state of stagnation or the prevention of progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It's frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using "unable to move forward", it's crucial to provide context regarding why the progress is halted. Alternatives like "prevented from advancing" or "at a standstill" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Remember that unwilling and unable carry different semantic loads, so choose wisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of progressing

Focuses on the lack of capability to advance.

prevented from advancing

Highlights the presence of an external force hindering advancement.

stuck in a rut

Emphasizes being trapped in a repetitive and unproductive situation.

at a standstill

Indicates a complete cessation of movement or progress.

hampered in development

Highlights impediments in the process of growth or evolution.

obstructed from proceeding

Focuses on obstacles blocking the way forward.

impeded from progressing

Similar to "obstructed", but suggests a slowing down rather than a complete stop.

unable to make headway

Implies a struggle to make any significant progress.

in a state of inertia

Highlights a lack of motivation or ability to initiate change.

bogged down

Suggests being trapped or overwhelmed by difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "unable to move forward" in a sentence?

You can use "unable to move forward" to describe a situation where progress is stalled. For example: "The negotiations were "unable to move forward" due to disagreements".

What are some alternatives to "unable to move forward"?

Alternatives include "prevented from advancing", "at a standstill", or "stuck in a rut", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "unable to move forward" in formal writing?

"Unable to move forward" is suitable for formal writing when describing setbacks or stagnation in projects, negotiations, or any process requiring advancement. Ensure the reason for being "unable to move forward" is clearly articulated.

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

"Unable to move forward" implies an inability to progress, often due to external factors or obstacles. "Unwilling to move forward" ("unwilling to move forward"), on the other hand, suggests a lack of motivation or desire to proceed, despite the capability to do so.