There are 15 useful alternatives or closely related expressions for “move forward,” but the best choice depends on the sense you intend. This guide separates the options by meaning so you can choose wording that is accurate rather than simply different.
Best Alternatives by Type of Progress
- Advance
- Progress
- Proceed
- Move ahead
- Push forward
- Press on
- Forge ahead
- Make headway
- Gain ground
- Step forward
- Continue
- Carry on
- Keep going
- Move onward
- Go forward
Advance
Advance is a direct alternative when moving forward means making progress toward a position, goal, or stage.
Example: The research team advanced to the second phase after the pilot succeeded.
Progress
Progress emphasizes improvement or development rather than physical movement.
Example: The negotiations progressed once both sides agreed on the main principles.
Proceed
Proceed means continue with an action, plan, or journey, often after permission or a pause.
Example: Once the safety check was complete, the crew proceeded with the launch.
Move ahead
Move ahead is a natural everyday phrase for continuing despite uncertainty or delay.
Example: The board decided to move ahead with the refurbishment.
Push forward
Push forward suggests determined effort to continue despite resistance or obstacles.
Example: The campaigners pushed forward even after the first proposal was rejected.
Press on
Press on means continue resolutely, especially when circumstances are difficult.
Example: Despite the rain, the walkers pressed on toward the summit.
Forge ahead
Forge ahead conveys energetic, confident progress and often implies overcoming barriers.
Example: The company forged ahead with expansion while competitors hesitated.
Make headway
Make headway means achieve noticeable progress on a difficult task or problem.
Example: After several false starts, the engineers finally made headway on the fault.
Gain ground
Gain ground suggests improving one’s position gradually, especially in competition, debate, or public support.
Example: The smaller party began to gain ground in the final week of the campaign.
Step forward
Step forward can mean physically move ahead or volunteer to take responsibility.
Example: Two staff members stepped forward to lead the new project.
Continue
Continue is the broadest neutral option when moving forward simply means not stopping.
Example: The meeting continued after a short break.
Carry on
Carry on is informal and means continue an activity or behaviour.
Example: They carried on working while the power was restored.
Keep going
Keep going is encouraging, conversational wording for continuing despite fatigue or difficulty.
Example: She wanted to stop halfway through the race, but the crowd helped her keep going.
Move onward
Move onward is slightly formal or literary and emphasizes leaving one stage behind for the next.
Example: After resolving the dispute, the group moved onward to the remaining agenda items.
Go forward
Go forward is a common business or planning phrase for future action, though it can sound formulaic if overused.
Example: The revised budget will guide decisions going forward.
How to Choose the Best Wording for “Move Forward”
Move forward can be literal or figurative; phrases such as make headway and gain ground emphasize progress, while proceed and continue mainly emphasize continuation.
When editing a sentence that uses “move forward,” read the whole line after making the substitution. The alternative should preserve the intended meaning, fit the grammar, and sound natural for the audience and level of formality.