Going Forward
25 April 2007 at 6:20 pm

A Phrase I Loathe: "Going forward."

Definition: The term suggests a continuing and progressive movement rather than, as in the future can sometimes mean, some specific future date. Like many such expressions, it means enough to be useful while also being suitably vague.

Why I Loathe It: It's one of those corporate-speak phrases like "caveat" that has eeked its way into the mainstream when its only effect is pretension and false promise. In fact, it's just like "caveat," something to cover your ass because there's no deadline for whatever it is you're going forward towards, so it's just something that's like, "Perhaps, at some point in time, we will do this, but not right at this exact moment in time and maybe never, but doesn't the possibility of something happening make you feel better?"

What Should Be Done To Prevent Usage of this Loathsome Term: Rather than make false promises, don't propose anything unless you plan on doing something about it right then or have a firm timeline for whatever proposal it is you're making. Or just say "moving on" or "in the future" or ANYTHING BUT "GOING FORWARD."

Thank you all for your prompt attention to this matter.

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About me
Hi. Morgan, 27, of Santa Barbara, CA. I am a hypocritical admirer of rhetoric (when it is my own) and an observer of literary trends. A secret: I don't take anything very seriously, and that includes myself.