In leaps and bounds

USAGE SUMMARY

"in leaps and bounds" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
This expression is used to describe a situation where something is increasing or developing quickly. For example, "The popularity of the new video game has been growing in leaps and bounds over the past few weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's improving steadily, in leaps and bounds, yearly," DeBoer said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We should be moving in leaps and bounds".

The New York Times

"I've seen the game grow in leaps and bounds.

The Guardian - Sport

SEMICONDUCTOR firms make integrated circuits with critical dimensions that are shrinking in leaps and bounds.

The Economist

And Europe will only evolve by degrees, not in leaps and bounds.

The Guardian

One such way that has come on in leaps and bounds is the fashion film.

Independent

These have progressed in leaps and bounds over the past 20 years.

The Economist

In past years, the focus was on expanding in leaps and bounds.

The New York Times - Arts

They are making progress in leaps and bounds and have become an extremely ruthless outfit.

Independent

The technology of doping has clearly advanced in leaps and bounds since then.

The Economist

MOBILE phones have advanced in leaps and bounds over the past few years.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in leaps and bounds" to emphasize substantial and rapid progress, not just incremental improvements. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a significant change over a relatively short period.

Common error

Avoid using "in leaps and bounds" to describe slow or gradual improvements. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where the progress is notably rapid and significant. For smaller advancements consider using other expressions like "step by step" or "gradually".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in leaps and bounds" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is progressing or improving very quickly and substantially. The examples confirm it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in leaps and bounds" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe rapid and substantial progress. As noted by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys significant advancements across various domains. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news and media, as evidenced by numerous examples from reputable sources. To ensure correct usage, reserve this phrase for scenarios involving genuinely rapid and noticeable improvements, avoiding its application to gradual or incremental changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Making great strides

Similar in meaning but replaces 'leaps' with 'strides'.

Advancing by leaps

Reorders the phrase slightly, focusing on the act of advancing.

Rapidly advancing

Focuses on the speed of advancement, omitting the 'big steps' imagery.

Surging ahead

Conveys forward motion and rapid advancement.

Progressing swiftly

Highlights the speed of progress, lacking the emphasis on the size of the steps.

Improving dramatically

Focuses on the positive change rather than the manner of progress.

Developing at an accelerated pace

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the rate of development.

Gaining ground quickly

Emphasizes the act of overcoming obstacles rapidly.

Moving forward decisively

Emphasizes the positive momentum and clarity of progress.

Growing exponentially

Implies a mathematical rate of increase.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "in leaps and bounds" in a sentence?

Use "in leaps and bounds" to describe rapid and significant progress or growth. For example, "The company's profits increased "in leaps and bounds" after the new marketing campaign was launched."

What are some alternatives to saying "in leaps and bounds"?

You can use alternatives like "rapidly advancing", "making great strides", or "progressing swiftly" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "in leaps and bounds" in formal writing?

Yes, "in leaps and bounds" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is widely recognized and understood. However, in very formal or scientific contexts, you might consider using a more precise or technical term depending on what you mean.

What does "in leaps and bounds" actually mean?

"In leaps and bounds" means that something is progressing or improving very quickly and in large increments. It suggests a substantial and noticeable advancement in a relatively short time.