31+ Other Ways to Say Move Forward (100+ Examples)

Never settle for the same old words, especially when you want to sound fresh. Finding other ways to say move forward helps your talk and your writing stand out, clearly. Whether you are at work, talking to friends, or writing a story, you need the right words to describe a change in your path. This guide gives you lots of choices, so you can pick the perfect one, every single time.

Professional Ways to Say Move Forward

Make Progress

When you finish a big project, you show everyone you are doing well, and you are not staying still. This phrase is a great synonym for your goals, especially in an office. It sounds clean, sharp, and very focused on the work. You can use it when you need to tell your boss that things are going the right way, without any extra fuss or drama.

• We need to make progress on the budget report by Friday.
• Every team member worked hard to make progress during the busy season.
• She felt happy to make progress, even if the work was hard.
• You will make progress if you just keep showing up every day.

Advance the Agenda

Sometimes you need to push a specific plan, and this phrase helps you sound like a pro. It works best in meetings, where you want to show you have a clear plan. It means you are taking the next step, carefully, to reach a goal. You will sound very ready, and very smart, when you use this in a room full of coworkers or partners.

• The team wants to advance the agenda before the end of the day.
• He spoke up to advance the agenda, ensuring everyone heard the main goal.
• We must advance the agenda, because the deadline is coming up fast.
• You can advance the agenda by asking the right questions, right now.

Gain Momentum

Think of a ball rolling down a hill, getting faster and faster, and you get the idea. Using this phrase shows that things are finally clicking into place, and you have real energy behind your work. It is a perfect choice when you want to show excitement, and you want to tell others that the hard part is now done.

• Our project will gain momentum once we finish the first big phase.
• They hope to gain momentum after the new marketing launch next week.
• You should gain momentum by finishing small tasks, one at a time.
• We did gain momentum quickly, and the results were truly amazing to see.

Push Ahead

Sometimes you just need to keep going, even when things get a bit bumpy. This phrase sounds tough, and it shows you have a lot of grit. It is a good way to tell your team that you are not quitting, and you are ready to face any problem. You sound like someone who keeps their eyes on the prize, no matter what happens.

• You have to push ahead, even when the path is not clear.
• We need to push ahead, because we are very close to finishing.
• She decided to push ahead, despite the bad weather and late hours.
• They will push ahead with the plan, no matter what the critics say.

Forge Ahead

This is a bit more fancy, and it implies you are making a path where there was none. It sounds brave, and it works great if you are talking about a new project. You are building something from nothing, and you are doing it with power. Use this when you want to sound strong, and you want to inspire the people around you.

• We will forge ahead with the new plan, starting early tomorrow morning.
• He decided to forge ahead, even though the team felt very nervous.
• You must forge ahead to reach your dream, because nobody else will.
• They had to forge ahead, and they did it with a lot of skill.

Proceed with the Plan

When you are keeping things formal and steady, this is your best friend. It shows you have a plan, you know it well, and you are moving along just like you said you would. It sounds very organized, and it is a safe bet for emails. Use it to keep your team calm, and to let them know the path is clear.

• We shall proceed with the plan, exactly as we talked about earlier.
• You can proceed with the plan once the manager signs the document.
• They chose to proceed with the plan, despite the slight change in timing.
• I will proceed with the plan, and keep you posted on the changes.

Take the Next Step

This is very simple, and it feels like a natural part of a conversation. It does not sound too pushy, and it works for almost any situation. Whether you are talking about your career or a personal choice, it feels kind and clear. It shows you are thinking about the future, one piece at a time, without trying to do everything at once.

• You should take the next step by applying for that new role.
• We need to take the next step, so we can stop waiting around.
• She is ready to take the next step in her life, today.
• They decided to take the next step together, as a strong team.

Drive Forward

Use this when you want to sound like you are the one in charge of the car. It is an active phrase, and it shows you are putting in the effort to make things happen. It is common in business, but it sounds friendly enough for a casual chat about your own life. It means you are putting the pedal down to win.

• He needs to drive forward the goal of helping every single client.
• We will drive forward, because we want to be the best here.
• You can drive forward your career by learning new, useful skills daily.
• They intend to drive forward with the current budget, despite the cuts.

Keep the Ball Rolling

This is a very common way to say you are maintaining your speed. It sounds friendly, and it makes people feel like the work is not too heavy. Use it when you are talking to teammates about staying on track. It is the perfect choice for a casual meeting where you want to keep the mood light, yet productive.

• We should keep the ball rolling until the project is finally finished.
• You really helped keep the ball rolling during that long, hard meeting.
• They want to keep the ball rolling, so do not stop working now.
• I will keep the ball rolling, while you take a short break.

Carry On

Sometimes you just need to keep doing what you are doing, and this phrase says it best. It sounds calm, and it is very British in its style. It suggests that you are not bothered by little things, and you are just going to stick to your path. It is a nice way to show you are steady, and you are not easily scared.

• We must carry on, because the work is far too important now.
• You can carry on with your tasks while I handle the email.
• She chose to carry on, even after facing a tough day yesterday.
• They will carry on, and I know they will succeed in time.

Casual Ways to Say Move Forward

Keep on Moving

This is a very simple way to say you are not stopping. It works well with friends, or when you are just chatting about your day. It sounds like you are on a walk, or a trip, and you are just enjoying the ride. It is a light way to say you have things to do, and you are getting to them.

• You just keep on moving, and you will get there eventually, friend.
• We need to keep on moving, or we will be late for dinner.
• She had to keep on moving, because the path was very cold.
• They decided to keep on moving, and found a better way home.

Go for It

This is less about moving and more about taking the leap. Use this when you want to tell someone they should start something new. It is encouraging, and it sounds very supportive. If someone is stuck, this is the perfect way to give them a little push in the right direction. It makes you sound like a really good friend.

• You should just go for it, because you are ready for this.
• He told her to go for it, and she finally started writing.
• We decided to go for it, and the results were really great.
• They will go for it, even if it seems a bit scary.

Get Things Moving

Use this when things have been too quiet for too long. It is a nice way to tell people to start working, or to get active. It sounds like you are the one starting the engine, and you are ready to see some action. It is friendly, and it works well for a team that needs a little wake up call.

• We need to get things moving, so let us start the meeting.
• You can get things moving by sending out that first big email.
• She tried to get things moving, but nobody wanted to help her.
• They will get things moving, and the office will feel busy again.

Keep Going

This is the most honest way to tell someone not to stop. It is short, sweet, and gets the job done. You can use it in a text, a talk, or even a card. It is a nice synonym for staying on your path. Everyone knows what it means, so you never have to worry about being misunderstood, or sounding too fancy.

• You just keep going, because you are doing a really good job.
• We should keep going until we see the top of the hill.
• She wanted to keep going, even when her feet started to ache.
• They will keep going, because they have a goal to reach soon.

Step It Up

When you want someone to do a bit better, this is the phrase to use. It is a bit challenging, but it comes from a place of support. Use it when you are coaching someone, or when you are talking about your own goals. It means you are ready to work harder, and you are not playing around anymore.

• You need to step it up, if you want to win today.
• We will step it up by practicing our skills every single day.
• She decided to step it up, and finally finished her big project.
• They had to step it up, or they would lose the game.

Move Along

This is a bit like saying just keep going, but it feels more like you are leaving a spot. It is very casual, and it does not have to be about a big goal. You could use it if you are just walking around the city. It is a very easy way to say you are not staying in one place, anymore.

• We should move along, because the store is closing very soon, now.
• You can move along, and find a better place to sit down.
• She had to move along, so she could catch her late bus.
• They wanted to move along, but they enjoyed the view too much.

Get on with It

Use this when you are in a rush and you want things to happen. It is a tiny bit bossy, but in a funny way. It is a good way to say you are tired of waiting. Just be careful who you say it to, because it sounds a bit impatient if you are not careful with your tone.

• We need to get on with it, or we will miss the train.
• You should get on with it, and stop worrying about the past.
• She told them to get on with it, and stop the talk.
• They will get on with it, since they are clearly in hurry.

Press On

This sounds like you are walking through deep snow, and you are not stopping. It shows you have energy, and you are not letting any hurdle stop you. It is a nice way to say you are finishing what you started. It sounds very determined, and it is a great word choice for a tough situation.

• We must press on, even though it is getting very late, tonight.
• You can press on, and finish the book by next week’s end.
• She had to press on, or she would never finish the race.
• They will press on, and reach the finish line, very soon indeed.

Creative Ways to Say Move Forward

Blaze a Trail

This is a fun way to say you are doing something totally new. It sounds like a big adventure, and it makes your work sound exciting. Use this when you are talking about a unique idea, or a new path for your life. It means you are the first one there, and you are showing others how to do it.

• We will blaze a trail, and others will follow us very soon.
• You can blaze a trail by starting your own business this year.
• She wanted to blaze a trail, and never look back at home.
• They managed to blaze a trail, and it changed the whole industry.

Break New Ground

When you are doing something that has not been done before, use this phrase. It sounds very smart, and it shows you are a pioneer. It is great for a project that involves discovery or new tech. It suggests that you are digging deep, and you are finding things that nobody else has ever seen or even imagined.

• We are going to break new ground with this new, cool app.
• You might break new ground if you keep researching that old topic.
• She hopes to break new ground, and change how we see things.
• They did break new ground, and the results were worth the work.

Turn a New Leaf

This is for when you are starting over, and you are leaving the old you behind. It is a very hopeful way to talk about change. Use it when you want to show that you have learned a lesson, and you are ready to be better. It is a gentle way to talk about growth, and personal change.

• I will turn a new leaf, and be kinder to my friends.
• You can turn a new leaf today, and let go of stress.
• She decided to turn a new leaf, and focus on her health.
• They will turn a new leaf, and start the project from scratch.

Chart a Course

This sounds like you are a sailor on a ship, and you are planning your way. It is a very clear and smart way to talk about your plans. Use this when you have a big, long-term goal. It means you have a map, and you know exactly where you are going, and why.

• We need to chart a course for the next five whole years.
• You should chart a course, or you might end up lost, soon.
• She started to chart a course, and felt much better about life.
• They will chart a course, and find the best way to succeed.

Take Flight

Use this when you are finally starting something that you have been dreaming about. It sounds like you are growing wings and leaving the ground. It is a beautiful way to describe starting a new career or a big move. It sounds very happy, and it shows you have a lot of hope for what comes.

• We watched the project take flight, and it was so cool.
• You will take flight, if you just trust in your own skills.
• She had to take flight, and start her own company in town.
• They watched the bird take flight, and felt inspired to go out.

Unlock the Future

This sounds very dramatic, but it is great for big goals. It means you are opening a door that was locked for a long time. Use this when you are talking about big, life-changing events. It makes your work sound like it matters a lot, and it shows you are excited about what is coming next.

• We want to unlock the future, and see what it brings us.
• You can unlock the future by working hard and staying very focused.
• She tried to unlock the future, but it was not quite ready.
• They did unlock the future, and it was better than they thought.

Break the Mold

This is for when you are doing things your own way, and you are ignoring the rules. It sounds rebellious, and it is a lot of fun to say. Use it when you are tired of being like everyone else, and you want to show your own style. It is a great way to show confidence.

• We will break the mold, and do things in a new way.
• You should break the mold, and show everyone your own unique style.
• She decided to break the mold, and paint her room bright pink.
• They will break the mold, and people will notice them for sure.

Make Headway

When you are moving forward, but it is slow and steady, use this. It is a very calm phrase that shows you are getting there, bit by bit. It is perfect for a task that is big and long. It shows you have patience, and you are not giving up until the work is finally all done.

• We are starting to make headway on the big garden project, now.
• You will make headway if you just focus on one small task.
• She felt happy to make headway, after days of feeling very stuck.
• They need to make headway, or they will miss the big deadline.

Find Your Stride

This means you are finally doing well, and everything feels natural. It is a great way to say you are finally comfortable with your new work or life. Use this when you want to show that the hard part is over, and you are now moving with a lot of ease and real grace.

• You will find your stride, once you learn the ropes at work.
• We need to find our stride, and stop being so nervous daily.
• She finally found her stride, and the work became a real joy.
• They did find their stride, and won the race quite easily too.

Formal Ways to Say Move Forward

Promote Development

This is very professional, and you will hear it in big offices. It means you are helping things grow. Use this when you want to sound very serious about your work. It is a good way to show you care about the long-term growth of the company, and you are not just thinking about today.

• We aim to promote development in all our new staff members, daily.
• You should promote development, and help the team learn new, hard skills.
• The boss wants to promote development, so we have more training now.
• They hope to promote development, and make the firm very successful, soon.

Implement the Strategy

This is about taking a plan and actually doing it. It sounds very official, and it works well in reports or serious talks. Use this when you have a plan that you need to start. It means you are not just talking about it, but you are finally getting the work started, right now.

• We will implement the strategy, starting on the first of the month.
• You need to implement the strategy, and follow every single step listed.
• She was ready to implement the strategy, and fix the big issues.
• They will implement the strategy, and hope for the best results, always.

Foster Growth

This sounds like you are a gardener, taking care of plants. It means you are helping things become better, stronger, and larger. It is a very nice way to talk about helping people or projects. It sounds kind, yet very smart. Use it when you want to show you are a good, caring leader.

• We want to foster growth in our local community, starting this year.
• You can foster growth by being patient and kind to your team.
• She helped to foster growth, and the garden looked very beautiful indeed.
• They will foster growth, and help the company reach new, high goals.

Sustain Momentum

This is for when things are going well, and you want to keep them that way. It means you are working to make sure the speed does not slow down. Use this when you have a winning streak and you want to keep it going. It shows you are smart, and very careful.

• We must sustain momentum to ensure we win the prize this year.
• You need to sustain momentum, and not let the hard work fade.
• She wanted to sustain momentum, and keep the team very happy too.
• They managed to sustain momentum, and the results were better than ever.

Further the Objectives

This is very formal, and it means you are working toward your goals. It is a bit stiff, but it works great in official letters or meetings. Use this when you want to sound very professional. It shows you have clear goals, and you are working hard every day to get them, bit by bit.

• We will further the objectives by working extra hours this week, too.
• You can further the objectives by checking the list of goals daily.
• She wanted to further the objectives, and make the boss very proud.
• They will further the objectives, and reach the top of the list.

Drive Progress

This is a strong way to say you are in charge of making things better. It sounds like you are pushing a heavy cart, and you are going somewhere. It is a good way to show you are a leader, and you are not afraid of hard work. Use it when you are talking about results.

• We need to drive progress, and show everyone what we can do.
• You can drive progress by setting clear rules for your own team.
• She was hired to drive progress, and she did it quite well.
• They want to drive progress, and become the best in the field.

Enhance the Output

When you want to do more, or better work, use this phrase. It sounds very focused on the results. It is great for a factory, an office, or even a school project. It means you are looking for ways to make your work shine, and you are not happy with just being okay.

• We need to enhance the output, or the clients will be sad.
• You can enhance the output by using better tools for the job.
• She wanted to enhance the output, and worked late into the night.
• They will enhance the output, and surprise the boss with the news.

Simple Ways to Say Move Forward

Go Ahead

This is so simple that everyone uses it. It is perfect for when you are giving permission, or when you are starting something new. It is very short, and it has a nice, friendly feel. You can use it in any situation, and you will never sound too weird or too fancy, which is nice.

• You should go ahead, and start the party without me tonight.
• We will go ahead, and begin the meeting while we wait, too.
• She told them to go ahead, and eat the food without her.
• They decided to go ahead, and buy the house near the sea.

Move Up

This is about getting to a better place, maybe at work or in life. It sounds like you are climbing a ladder. It is a very positive way to say you are growing. Use it when you are talking about a promotion, or just getting better at something you love to do, every day.

• You will move up, if you keep working as hard as now.
• We want to move up, and get a better office downtown soon.
• She wants to move up, and lead the team one day soon.
• They will move up, and enjoy all the success they deserve now.

Get Moving

This is a direct way to say let us start. It is a bit like a command, but it is friendly if you say it with a smile. Use it when you want to get yourself or others off the couch. It is a fun, light way to start a new day or a new task.

• We need to get moving, or we will miss the morning train.
• You should get moving, and finish that project before you sleep, now.
• She decided to get moving, and went for a long, fast run.
• They will get moving, and start their vacation with a big smile.

Keep at It

This is a great way to encourage someone who is working hard. It means don’t stop now, you are doing great. It is very warm, and it feels like a pat on the back. Use this when you see someone trying their best, and you want them to keep going, even when tired.

• You just keep at it, and you will get better soon, friend.
• We need to keep at it, and finish the painting by tonight.
• She told him to keep at it, and his work got better.
• They will keep at it, and reach their goal in the end.

Go On

This is a nice, gentle way to say keep going. It sounds like you are cheering for someone. It is very soft, and it feels like you are sitting with a friend and talking about their life. Use it when you want to show someone you believe in them, and their current plans.

• You go on, and do what you think is best for you.
• We will go on, and keep living our lives the best way.
• She told her to go on, and tell the whole, true story.
• They had to go on, and find a new home for themselves.

Start Now

This is the most direct way to get things going. If you are waiting, don’t. This phrase is for when you want to take action right this second. It sounds very urgent, and it is a good way to break the ice if you have been sitting and waiting too long to begin.

• You should start now, and not wait for the perfect time, ever.
• We will start now, so we can finish before the sun sets.
• She decided to start now, and finally wrote the first few words.
• They will start now, and get the job done by the morning.

Tips for Picking the Right Phrase

Choosing the right word depends on where you are and who you are with, so pick carefully. You want to match the mood of the room, as different words to describe a situation can change how people feel about your plan.

Check the Setting

Think about if you are at work or at home. Formal places need professional words, like advance the agenda. Casual places, like a dinner with friends, allow for simple phrases, like go for it. Always watch your audience, and keep things easy.

Mind the Audience

The person hearing you matters a lot. If you are talking to your boss, you want to sound clear and smart. If you are talking to a friend, you want to sound warm. Knowing how to say things well makes you more likable.

Keep It Short

Sometimes, a small phrase is the best choice. You do not always need a big word to sound smart. Simple words like keep going are often easier to understand. If you are not sure, pick the easiest one you can find.

Match the Tone

Your words should match the energy of the event. If the event is sad, be gentle. If the event is exciting, be bright. Think about the feeling you want to share before you pick your favorite way to speak today.

Avoid Being Stiff

Nobody likes a person who uses big words just to show off. Keep your talk real and honest. If a phrase feels like it does not belong in your mouth, do not use it. Natural is always the best way to go.

Use Your Heart

Sometimes, the best words come from how you feel. If you are truly excited, let your words show that joy. People like to hear someone who speaks from the heart, and not just from a book of fancy rules.

Always remember that words are just tools, so pick the ones that help you connect with others, and have fun.

Summary of Alternate Ways

Final Thoughts

I hope this list helps you find new ways to say move forward in your daily life. Having another word for your goals makes your talk much better. Whether you choose a simple phrase or a formal one, you are now ready to speak with more power, and more clarity, whenever you need it most.