Develop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Develop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of creating, improving, or elaborating on something, such as a project, idea, or skill. Example: "We need to develop a comprehensive plan to address the issues we've identified."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They head to a biscuit development laboratory to develop their creations, but first they have to realise that they appear to be talking complete nonsense.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The OAA aims to develop systems that enable developers to easily add car-specific modes to their apps to "bring the best of Android into the automobile in a safe and seamless way" Microsoft also has a system called Microsoft Sync to connect smartphones to in-car entertainment and the dashboard.

The Guardian - Tech

However, a South Korean defence official said separately that North Korea could develop a fully operational submarine with ballistic missiles within two or three years.

The Guardian

It is believed to have launched a long-range rocket and put an object into orbit in December 2012, defying scepticism and international warnings not to pursue such a programme, which could be used to develop intercontinental missiles.

The Guardian

He said North Korea still needed time to develop additional equipment in order to make its submarine-launched missile system fully operational.

The Guardian

Through a series of four dawn workshops in Paris, you'll learn technical and creative skills that will help you to develop a portfolio to be proud of.

The Guardian

The rich can fail to develop sensible long-term financial plans of the kind that all of us can and should do; they still have to cope with the emotional fallout of personal tragedies like Sandberg's.

The Guardian - Money

There are only a handful of exemptions to the ban on abortion – to save the mother's life, if the pregnancy was a result of rape, or, in a recent controversial addition, if the foetus has anencephaly, a rare birth defect in which the brain and skull do not develop.

The Guardian

"If you have a 20-second music piece, you cannot really express anything … It can just signal maybe a scene change … If you allow it to develop, the music can do its job in telling what is not said and showing what you cannot see".

The Guardian - Music

He has not had the same opportunities to develop his athletic prowess as those in wealthier and more stable countries, and now that he has lost everything all he is asking for is a chance to train and achieve his potential.

The Guardian

The upcoming spending review provides a renewed opportunity to develop this approach for more difficult and complex social issues, and to bring greater scale, ambition and capability to help the vast numbers of people who have fallen through the cracks of confusing and siloed public services.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the object being developed is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether you are developing a skill, a product, or a plan.

Common error

Avoid using "develop" as a catch-all term for any kind of progress. Overusing it can make your writing sound generic. Instead, opt for more specific verbs that accurately describe the nature of the development, such as 'cultivate', 'refine', or 'expand'.

Linguistic Context

The verb "develop" primarily functions to indicate a process of growth, advancement, or creation. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts, from personal skill enhancement to technological innovation, affirming its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "develop" is a versatile term indicating growth, advancement, or creation, applicable across various contexts. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While "develop" is widely accepted, writers should consider using more specific synonyms like "cultivate", "evolve", or "generate" to enhance precision. Remember to clearly identify what is being developed to avoid ambiguity. By avoiding overuse and choosing contextually appropriate alternatives, writers can effectively communicate the nuances of growth and advancement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cultivate

Implies careful nurturing and growth over time, often in a more deliberate or intentional way than "develop".

Advance

Focuses on forward progress or improvement in a specific area, differing from the broader sense of "develop".

Evolve

Emphasizes gradual change and adaptation over time, often in a natural or organic process, whereas "develop" can be more directed.

Generate

Highlights the act of bringing something into existence, a more active process than the gradual unfolding implied by "develop".

Expand

Indicates growth in size or scope, a more specific type of development.

Improve

Concentrates on making something better, a subset of the broader meaning of "develop" which can also include neutral change.

Refine

Suggests making small improvements to something already well-developed, distinct from the initial stages of "develop".

Build up

Implies a gradual accumulation or construction, a more hands-on sense of development.

Foster

Suggests nurturing and encouraging growth, emphasizing care and support more than simple development.

Formulate

Focuses on creating a plan or strategy, a more specific and deliberate type of development.

FAQs

How can I use "develop" in a sentence?

You can use "develop" to describe growth, creation, or advancement. For example, "The company aims to develop new products this year" or "She needs to develop her communication skills".

What are some alternatives to the word "develop"?

Depending on the context, you can use "cultivate", "advance", "evolve", or "generate" as alternatives to "develop".

Is it correct to say "develop a plan" or should I use another verb?

"Develop a plan" is correct and commonly used. Other alternatives include "create a plan", "formulate a plan", or "design a plan", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "develop" and "improve"?

"Develop" implies a broader sense of growth or change, while "improve" specifically means to make something better. You might "develop" a new technology, or you might "improve" an existing one.