Collocations With Move

Movement is a fundamental aspect of life, conveying progress, change, and transition. In the English language, the verb “move” pairs with a multitude of words, creating collocations that are as varied as they are vivid. These combinations tell stories of physical relocation, emotional shifts, and strategic changes. Let’s take a closer look at the rich tapestry of collocations involving “move” and how they apply to different facets of our lives, illustrated with examples that bring them to life.

Physical Movement: From a Shuffle to a Sprint

At the most basic level, “move” relates to physical motion, and its collocations span the spectrum from the subtlest to the most dramatic actions.

Move slowly: To advance at a sluggish pace.

Example: The traffic started to move slowly after being at a standstill for over an hour.

Move quickly: To advance at a rapid pace.

Example: As the storm approached, they had to move quickly to secure all the outdoor furniture.

Move forward: To progress in a forward direction.

Example: The team worked tirelessly to move the project forward.

Move stealthily: To advance in a secretive or cautious manner.

Example: The cat moved stealthily through the grass, eyeing its prey.

Move mountains: To achieve seemingly impossible tasks.

Example: With unwavering determination, she can move mountains to accomplish her goals.

Emotional and Psychological Movement: Stirring the Soul

Beyond the tangible, “move” also conveys emotional and psychological transitions, often paired with words that describe the impact of experiences on the human spirit.

Move emotionally: To affect someone deeply on an emotional level.

Example: The poignant documentary moved the audience emotionally, leaving many in tears.

Move on: To leave behind past experiences and start anew.

Example: After the breakup, it took him months to move on.

Move someone to tears: To evoke a strong emotional reaction that results in crying.

Example: The bride’s heartfelt vows moved the entire wedding party to tears.

Move the needle: To cause a noticeable change in opinion or situation.

Example: The company’s innovative approach to sustainability really moved the needle in consumer behavior.

Social and Cultural Movement: Shifting the Zeitgeist

In society and culture, “move” collocates with words that describe shifts in trends, opinions, and collective actions.

Move with the times: To adapt to changing trends or ideas.

Example: To stay relevant, businesses must move with the times and embrace digital transformation.

Move away from: To change direction or focus from one idea, practice, or policy to another.

Example: The party decided to move away from its traditional policies to attract a broader electorate.

Move towards: To approach a particular idea or goal.

Example: As a society, we are slowly moving towards a greater acceptance of diversity.

Move in circles: To associate with a particular social group.

Example: She moved in artistic circles, which influenced her eclectic fashion sense.

Business and Strategy: Navigating the Corporate Chessboard

In business, the term “move” is often part of collocations that reflect strategic decisions and actions within the corporate world.

Move up the ladder: To advance in one’s career.

Example: She worked diligently for years and finally began to move up the corporate ladder.

Move into a market: To start selling products or services in a new market area.

Example: The tech company is planning to move into the Asian market by the end of the year.

Move out of: To exit a particular market or line of business.

Example: Due to declining sales, the company decided to move out of the smartphone industry.

Move over: To make space for someone or something else; in business, it can mean to yield a competitive position.

Example: With the rise of new players, the leading brands have to move over and share the market.

Legal and Political Movement: The March of Justice and Policy

In the realms of law and politics, “move” collocates with terms that convey actions and changes within these formal structures.

Move to dismiss: To request that a legal case be thrown out.

Example: The defense attorney moved to dismiss the charges based on lack of evidence.

Move for a vote: To propose that a decision be made through voting.

Example: The chairperson moved for a vote to finalize the decision on the policy change.

Move through Congress: To progress through the legislative process.

Example: The controversial bill moved quickly through Congress, despite significant opposition.

Move to amend: To propose changes to a legal document or piece of legislation.

Example: The senator moved to amend the bill to include provisions for renewable energy incentives.

Final Thoughts

Collocations with “move” reveal the multifaceted nature of this simple verb, highlighting its versatility and dynamismin everyday language. From our physical actions to the emotional landscapes we navigate, from the ebbs and flows of societal currents to the chess-like maneuvers in business and politics, “move” is omnipresent.

Each collocation offers a unique glimpse into an aspect of movement, serving as a building block for a vast array of expressions that enrich our communication. They provide a linguistic shorthand for complex actions and emotions, allowing us to convey them with brevity and precision.