Growing gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Growing gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or change that occurs slowly over time. Example: "The company's profits have been growing gradually over the past few years, indicating a steady increase in market demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's an impression that has been growing gradually for a bit now.

The Guardian - Sport

I think you have to be on board with growing gradually to make it happen.

The New York Times - Arts

Seniors Network has been growing gradually over the past two years.

The Guardian - Tech

"Business has been growing gradually," said Becky Morrisson, manager of the museum shop.

The New York Times

But rather than growing gradually desensitised, every time it feels a little bit more personal.

The Guardian

Don't trust the usual story of a promising post-Haydn embryo growing gradually into Beethoven the Mighty.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Traffic grew gradually for CNN.com.

The New York Times

I want my career to grow gradually.

The New York Times

It handled that gamble fairly well, because the grid grew gradually from the densest parts out.

Harvard University

These water pipe networks will grow gradually and contribute to the transformation of the roofscape.

Columbia University

Under external stresses, the defect may grow gradually to cause slow degradation of the adhesive bond.

Long Term Durability of Structural Materials Durability 2000 Proceedings of the Durability Workshop, Berkeley, California, 26–27 October, 2000

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing gradually" to describe processes where the slow, steady nature of growth is important to emphasize, such as describing economic trends or personal development.

Common error

Avoid using "growing gradually" when describing situations that involve rapid or exponential growth. It's more appropriate for linear or asymptotic growth patterns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing gradually" functions as a verbal phrase, where "growing" is the present participle of the verb "grow" and "gradually" is an adverb modifying the verb. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing ongoing processes. It describes how the action is performed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "growing gradually" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a process that increases or develops slowly and steadily over time. It is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correct usage and provides several real-world examples. While versatile, it is important to avoid using it in situations that involve rapid or exponential growth, as it is more suited for linear or asymptotic development patterns. Consider using alternatives like "increasing incrementally" or "developing steadily" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing incrementally

Focuses on the small, measurable steps of the increase.

developing steadily

Emphasizes the consistent and reliable nature of the development.

expanding slowly

Highlights the pace of the expansion.

progressing in stages

Indicates advancement through distinct phases or steps.

evolving in time

Highlights the natural unfolding and adaptation over time.

maturing over time

Suggests a process of becoming more complete or refined with the passage of time.

building up slowly

Emphasizes the gradual accumulation of something.

unfolding gradually

Suggests a process of revelation or discovery that happens over time.

advancing by degrees

Indicates a measured and incremental progression.

accumulating gradually

Focuses on the slow and steady gathering of something over time.

FAQs

How can I use "growing gradually" in a sentence?

You can use "growing gradually" to describe a slow and steady process, such as "The company's profits have been "growing gradually" over the past few years" or "His understanding of the subject was "growing gradually" as he studied more".

What can I say instead of "growing gradually"?

You can use alternatives like "increasing incrementally", "developing steadily", or "expanding slowly" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "growing gradual"?

No, the correct phrase is "growing gradually". "Gradually" is an adverb that modifies the verb "growing", indicating the manner in which something is growing. "Gradual" is an adjective and would not be grammatically correct in this context.

What's the difference between "growing gradually" and "suddenly increasing"?

"Growing gradually" implies a slow and steady increase over time, whereas "suddenly increasing" indicates a rapid and immediate rise. The former suggests a controlled and predictable process, while the latter implies an unexpected or accelerated change.