What does "take this forward" mean?
"Take this forward" means to proceed with or progress an idea or plan. Here's how this business phrase is used and why it's overused.
What it means
To progress, develop, or act on something - to move from discussion to action.
"Who will take this forward?"
"We agreed to take the proposal forward after the review."
"I'd like to take this forward and present it to the board."
What it implies
The conversation or planning phase is done; now someone needs to act on it. It's a call for ownership and next steps.
Why it's overused
Like many corporate phrases, it says nothing that "proceed with" or "progress" doesn't express. It also leaves ambiguity - how and by whom are unstated. In meetings, "let's take this forward" often means "let's not decide right now."
A native would say (plainly)
- "Let's proceed with this." - clear
- "Who owns this?" - accountability-focused
- "What are the next steps?" - direct
- "Let's act on this." - decisive
- "Move forward" - similar phrase, equally overused
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Corporate jargon. Common in meetings and strategy documents. Criticised in plain-English communication guides for being vague.
What does "take this forward" mean?
To progress, develop, or act on something - to move from discussion to action.
"Who will take this forward?"
"We agreed to take the proposal forward after the review."
"I'd like to take this forward and present it to the board."
Is "take this forward" formal or informal?
Corporate jargon. Common in meetings and strategy documents. Criticised in plain-English communication guides for being vague.
What's another way to say "take this forward"?
- "Let's proceed with this." - clear
- "Who owns this?" - accountability-focused
- "What are the next steps?" - direct
- "Let's act on this." - decisive
- "Move forward" - similar phrase, equally overused
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