Phrasal verb
inch forward
Definition
phrasal verb. to move ahead very slowly, bit by bit. You use this when progress is difficult or takes a long time.
phrasal verb. To advance by small increments or degrees. The verb is typically intransitive in this construction and often describes slow progress in metaphorical contexts such as negotiations or projects.
Examples
“The cars inch forward in the heavy morning traffic.”
“After hours of debate, the two sides finally began to inch forward toward a peace agreement.”
“Despite the complexity of the legal framework, the investigation continued to inch forward as new evidence slowly came to light.”
Examples
simple
“The cars inch forward in the heavy morning traffic.”
contextual
“After hours of debate, the two sides finally began to inch forward toward a peace agreement.”
complex
“Despite the complexity of the legal framework, the investigation continued to inch forward as new evidence slowly came to light.”
Usage
This phrase is usually intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Teaching tip
Use the measurement 'inch' as a visual anchor to illustrate the tiny scale of each movement compared to a 'leap' or 'jump'.
Pitfall
The line inched forward the door.
The line inched forward toward the door.
The phrase is intransitive and requires a preposition to link the movement to a destination.
Phrasal verb
Particles
forward
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
inch + forward
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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