In gradation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'In gradation' is technically correct as a standalone phrase, though it would seldom be used in that context.
Instead, the phrase may be used as part of a phrase such as 'in gradual increments' to indicate a gradual increase or decrease. For example, "These changes will be implemented in gradual increments over the next six months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He spent more than a year on the designs — agreeing to keep the black and white palette in homage to both Karinska and Balanchine — and he said he took inspiration for the geometry of the crystals on the tutus from a Dior dress, known as Junon, which features a skirt made of petals with the crystals changing in gradation from pale to dark at the edges.

The New York Times

Acer ACM produces dramatic improvement in gradation and detail, especially for dimmer and brighter scenes, resulting in stunning picture quality.

TechCrunch

It is powered by the 14-megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image-sensor, which can reproduce high-definition images rich in gradation and impressive three-dimensional detail.

TechCrunch

The sensitivity of the LCPC wheel tracking test was also evaluated with different maximum aggregate sizes and changes in gradation.

Composites Part B: Engineering

However, limitations in gradation requirements; high absorption and aggregate strength could be resolved during the proportioning stage and by achieving high packing density.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Results indicate that a small discontinuity in gradation is helpful to enhance the density of the mixture even though skeleton formation and skeleton embedding are not necessarily correlated.

Construction and Building Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Like our other senses, touch comes in gradations.

The New Yorker

It was a cotton hand-weave with jazzy, Matisse-ish patterns worked out in gradations of indigo.

The New York Times - Arts

The textures relayed the carrot's sweetness in gradations, with a flutter of salt from flakes of Pecorino.

The New York Times - Food

By Laurie Sheck The New Yorker, February 1 , 1993P. 76 The air darkens in gradations like a Xeroxed page View Article By Miranda Carter By Amos Barshad By John Cassidy By Atul Gawande.

The New Yorker

Where the water used to rise in gradations like a wedding cake, it will now surge in a cylinder, or column.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in gradation", ensure the context clearly indicates what is changing or progressing. For instance, specify the attribute, quality, or element that is undergoing gradation.

Common error

Avoid using "in gradation" when a more specific term would better convey the nature of the change. Instead of saying 'the project improved in gradation', specify whether it improved 'in efficiency', 'in scope', or 'in quality'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in gradation" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to describe the manner in which a change or progression occurs. The examples from Ludwig show it describing changes in color, detail, or ability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in gradation" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a gradual or continuous change. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct but not overly common, appearing most frequently in news, science, and encyclopedia sources. When using this phrase, it is important to specify what is changing or progressing to ensure clarity. While alternatives like "gradually" or "in increments" exist, "in gradation" emphasizes the spectrum of change involved. Ensure the context warrants the use of "in gradation" rather than a more precise term for the nature of the change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in stages

This alternative suggests a step-by-step progression, emphasizing distinct phases rather than a continuous spectrum.

in increments

This emphasizes small, regular increases or decreases, focusing on the size of the steps.

by degrees

This implies a slow, subtle change over time, often imperceptible in the short term.

gradually

This is an adverb describing a slow, even progression, lacking the prepositional structure of the original phrase.

progressively

Similar to 'gradually', this adverb highlights continuous advancement or development.

in a step-wise manner

This highlights a sequence of actions or events, each building upon the previous one.

in a phased approach

This emphasizes planning and structured implementation of changes over time.

in shades

This is more specific to color or visual changes, emphasizing variations within a spectrum.

in a series

This underlines that something is displayed or done as parts of an ordered sequence.

in levels

This indicates a hierarchical structure with distinct tiers or ranks.

FAQs

How can I use "in gradation" in a sentence?

Use "in gradation" to describe a gradual change or progression of something. For example, "The colors shifted "in gradation" from light to dark."

What are some alternatives to "in gradation"?

Alternatives include "gradually", "progressively", or "in increments", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what changes "in gradation"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what changes "in gradation" enhances clarity. For example, instead of just saying "the light changed in gradation", specify "the light changed in gradation of intensity".

What's the difference between "in gradation" and "in stages"?

"In gradation" implies a continuous spectrum of change, while "in stages" suggests discrete steps or phases in the progression.