進める

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 進める, read すすめる, is an ichidan transitive verb meaning to move an object, task, or plan forward.
• Basic usage: It takes the activity being advanced with を, as in 作業を進める and 改修を進めている.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Contrast with 進む
  • 進める is transitive: an agent advances the work. Intransitive 進む describes the work or movement progressing on its own.
• Progress, not completion
  • The verb says that work is being moved forward; it does not by itself say that the work has been completed.