Gradually getting better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Gradually getting better" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of improvement over time, often in contexts related to health, skills, or performance. Example: "After weeks of therapy, I can confidently say that I am gradually getting better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Let me tell you, it's gradually getting better," he said.

The New York Times

A disturbance that left the African coast this past Saturday has been gradually getting better organized.

The Washington Post

Nonetheless, the work reflects the fact that computers are gradually getting better at sensing human emotion.

MIT Technology Review

Thanks in large part to the generosity of Detroit's philanthropic phalanx, especially the Skillman Foundation, they are gradually getting better.

The Economist

Historically, on-demand offerings through cable operators have seemed haphazard, but the offerings are gradually getting better as the operators try to retain customers.

The New York Times

There won't be a moment when the clouds suddenly lift, but the exchanges are gradually getting better — a point inadvertently illustrated a few days ago by John Boehner, the speaker of the House.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The calves gradually got better.

The New Yorker

Several other problems, like pain in my thumb joints, forgetfulness and insomnia also gradually got better.

Harvard University

The rebirth of the Marshall football program gradually got better and better.

The New York Times - Sports

There's a lot of skeletons in my closet!" The work gradually got better.

The Guardian - Film

"Some need blood transfusions, while some only need medicines and they gradually get better.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "steadily improving" or "progressively enhancing" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using excessive intensifiers with "gradually getting better", such as "very gradually getting better", as it can sound redundant. Choose concise phrasing for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually getting better" functions as a progressive verb phrase, describing an ongoing process of improvement. It indicates a state that is changing slowly over time, which is endorsed by Ludwig and shown in multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradually getting better" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes a slow, progressive improvement over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for various contexts, ranging from health and personal well-being to broader societal and economic conditions. While versatile, it's important to avoid redundancy by overusing intensifiers. Alternatives like "slowly improving" or "steadily advancing" can provide nuanced variations. This phrase, while appropriate across a broad range of registers, tends to appear most frequently in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slowly improving

Emphasizes the gradual pace of the improvement.

Progressively enhancing

Highlights the continuous and incremental nature of the improvement.

Steadily advancing

Focuses on consistent forward movement.

Bit by bit improving

Underscores the small increments of progress.

Making steady progress

Indicates consistent advancement toward a goal.

On the mend

Specifically implies recovery from illness or injury.

Turning a corner

Suggests a significant positive change or improvement.

Looking up

Implies a general improvement in circumstances.

Getting there

Expresses progress toward a desired state or goal.

Coming along

Informally indicates that something is developing or improving.

FAQs

What does "gradually getting better" mean?

It means something is slowly improving over time, not suddenly, but in a progressive manner.

How can I use "gradually getting better" in a sentence?

You can say, "After physical therapy, my knee is "slowly improving"", which means the condition is "gradually getting better".

Which is correct, "gradually getting better" or "getting gradually better"?

"Gradually getting better" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Getting gradually better" is less idiomatic.

What are some alternatives to "gradually getting better"?

You could use phrases like "slowly improving", "steadily advancing", or "progressively enhancing" depending on the context.