Make advances

USAGE SUMMARY

'make advances' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to make progress or move forward, and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, "The company has been making advances in the market since launching their new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People could make advances at the margin and it wasn't really hurting.

The Guardian

Nagy has accused Strauss-Kahn of abusing his position to make advances to her.

The Guardian

But this does not guarantee that Greens will make advances in the forthcoming London elections.

The Guardian

She described how it was common knowledge that Savile would make "advances".

The Guardian

He would make advances to Attwood fairly regularly, but was always rebutted.

Independent

Of course, some boys did make advances towards me, but I firmly believe there was nothing sexual about that.

The Guardian - Books

In theory, that would free up Nasa to advance with exploration beyond the Earth's orbit and make advances in technology.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not easy to make advances and progress, but one must approach the work with a positive outlook.

The Guardian

Facebook says M will make advances through leveraging its unmatched database of personal information, coupled with invisible human "trainers".

The Guardian - Tech

Without Western air strikes, the rebels seem unable to make advances or even hold their positions against Gaddafi's armour.

Independent

Partnering with JAL, Asia's biggest carrier, would offer Delta the chance to make advances in the region.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make advances", ensure the context clearly indicates the area in which progress is being made. For example, specify "make advances in technology" or "make advances in negotiations".

Common error

Avoid using "make advances" without specifying the subject or area of progress. Saying simply "we made advances" can leave the audience wondering what exactly was improved or developed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make advances" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of progressing or moving forward in a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make advances" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe progress or forward movement in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It's particularly common in news, scientific, and business settings. To ensure clarity, specify the area in which progress is being made. While alternatives like ""make progress"" or ""gain ground"" exist, "make advances" offers a distinct nuance of active development and forward momentum. The frequency and authoritative source usage solidify its place as a valuable part of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make progress

Emphasizes the act of moving forward towards a goal, similar to "make advances" but with a broader application.

Move forward

A general term for advancing, which is less specific than "make advances".

Make headway

Suggests overcoming obstacles and making noticeable progress, often in a challenging situation.

Achieve breakthroughs

Highlights significant achievements or discoveries, implying a substantial step forward.

Push ahead

Implies effort and determination in advancing, highlighting the active role in making progress.

Gain ground

Suggests improving one's position or status, often in a competitive context.

Further development

Focuses on the continuous improvement and expansion of something, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

Propel forward

Emphasizes the force and momentum behind the advancement, implying a rapid movement ahead.

Drive innovation

Focuses on fostering new ideas and technologies to achieve advancements.

Boost development

Highlights the act of enhancing or accelerating the progress of something.

FAQs

How can I use "make advances" in a sentence?

You can use "make advances" to describe progress in a particular field or situation, for example: "Scientists are working hard to "make advances" in cancer treatment", or "The company continues to "make advances" in the development of new software".

What are some alternatives to "make advances"?

Alternatives to "make advances" include "make progress", "gain ground", or "move forward". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make advances" or "advance"?

While both are correct, "make advances" typically implies a more general and continuous effort, while "advance" can refer to a specific instance of forward movement. For example: "They continue to "make advances" in research", versus "The army will "advance" at dawn".

What's the difference between "make advances" and "make improvements"?

"Make advances" suggests moving forward into new territory or achieving progress, while "make improvements" focuses on enhancing existing conditions. For example: "The company seeks to "make advances" in market share" versus "The company seeks to "make improvements" in customer service".