wanted to move forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanted to move forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire to progress or advance in a situation or project. Example: "After much discussion, we all agreed that we wanted to move forward with the new plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I really wanted to move forward".

The Guardian - Sport

He said he just wanted to move forward.

The New York Times

Mr. Sun said that with the criminal prosecution concluded, the family wanted to move forward.

The New York Times

She asked me how I wanted to move forward and what my goals were.

The Washington Post

Countries often have not wanted to move forward on one issue without tying it to progress in another area.

Harvard University

He said that if baseball wanted to move forward, it could not spend all of its time in the past.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

They want to move forward".

The New York Times

I just want to move forward".

The New York Times

"I want to move forward.

The Guardian - Tech

Everyone wants to move forward.

The New York Times

"I want to move forward," he said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wanted to move forward", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific progress or advancement is desired. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "wanted to move forward" without specifying the area or goal of the desired progress. For instance, instead of saying 'The company wanted to move forward', specify 'The company wanted to move forward with its sustainability initiatives' for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanted to move forward" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause to express intention or desire. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates a wish to progress or advance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wanted to move forward" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey a desire for progress or advancement. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and finds common usage across diverse contexts, notably in news media. When using this phrase, ensure the intended direction or goal of advancement is clear. While adaptable, avoid vagueness by specifying the intended progress. Semantically related alternatives include "desired to progress" and "sought to advance", depending on the desired tone and formality. Remember this usage guidance to ensure that the purpose of the expression is effective and contributes to clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desired to progress

Replaces "wanted to move forward" with a more formal expression indicating a wish to advance or develop further.

sought to advance

Uses "sought" to emphasize the active pursuit of advancement, implying a deliberate effort to progress.

aimed to proceed

Focuses on the intention to continue or proceed with a plan or action, suggesting a clear goal.

intended to develop

Highlights the desire for growth or expansion, suitable when referring to projects or skills.

wished to continue

Emphasizes the desire to carry on or persist with something, often after an interruption or challenge.

were eager to advance

Expresses a strong enthusiasm for making progress, indicating excitement and motivation.

felt compelled to progress

Suggests a sense of obligation or necessity to move forward, often due to external pressures or internal convictions.

had a yearning for advancement

Conveys a deep and persistent desire for progress, emphasizing the emotional aspect of wanting to move forward.

were determined to proceed

Highlights the resolute and unwavering commitment to moving forward, despite potential obstacles.

were keen to make headway

Indicates a strong interest in achieving progress or success, suggesting a proactive approach to moving forward.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "wanted to move forward" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "desired to progress", "sought to advance", or "aimed to proceed" to convey a more professional tone.

What's a more casual way to say "wanted to move forward"?

For informal situations, you might use phrases like "was looking to get ahead" or "was hoping to progress", which are less formal but still convey the desire for advancement.

Is there a difference between "wanted to move forward" and "needed to move forward"?

"Wanted to move forward" expresses a desire or aspiration for progress, while "needed to move forward" implies a necessity or requirement for advancement. The former is about ambition, and the latter is about obligation or survival.

When is it best to use "wanted to move forward" instead of a simpler phrase like "wanted to continue"?

Use "wanted to move forward" when you specifically want to emphasize making progress or achieving advancement, rather than simply continuing a current state. If the focus is just on continuing without significant change, "wanted to continue" is more appropriate.