Make headway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Make headway" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate progress or advancement in a particular task or situation. Example: "After several hours of discussion, we finally started to make headway on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

New entrants struggle to make headway.

The Guardian - Business

Northampton looking make headway in midfield now.

The Guardian - Sport

"But leadership is needed to make headway.

The Guardian - Sport

Microsoft's counter-attack has failed to make headway.

The Economist

We had to use every last gust to make headway.

Independent

Thereafter, Martin was able to make headway in Italy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Or whether Republicans will finally make headway in recruiting them.

The New York Times

Neither side has been able to make headway.

The New York Times

In 1970s Britain though, the IFS struggled to make headway.

The Guardian - Business

To make headway, he turned to the Web.

The New York Times

But it is possible to make headway against the disease.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Make headway" when you want to emphasize that progress is being made despite obstacles or challenges. It's particularly effective when you want to highlight effort and persistence.

Common error

Avoid using "Make headway" when referring to abstract improvements or general enhancements. It's most appropriate when describing tangible progress toward a specific goal or objective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Make headway" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the action of progressing or advancing towards a goal, particularly when facing challenges. As Ludwig AI explains, it's widely recognized and used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Make headway" is a common and correct idiomatic verb phrase used to describe progress, especially when facing obstacles. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in encyclopedias and scientific publications. When writing, remember that it is more appropriate when describing tangible progress toward a specific objective and is often used when effort is involved. Alternatives such as "Make progress" or "Gain ground" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make progress

Focuses on the general act of advancing; slightly broader in scope than "Make headway".

Gain ground

Emphasizes the idea of overcoming resistance or opposition to advance.

Advance

A more formal and general term for moving forward.

Move forward

A straightforward and less idiomatic way to express progress.

Get ahead

Implies surpassing others or achieving a more favorable position.

Push forward

Highlights the effort and determination involved in making progress.

Forge ahead

Suggests a determined and forceful movement forward, often in the face of difficulties.

Make strides

Implies significant or rapid progress.

Improve

Focuses on the enhancement or betterment of a situation.

Develop

Suggests a gradual and unfolding process of advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "Make headway" in a sentence?

You can use "Make headway" to describe progress being made, for example: "Despite the challenges, the team began to "make headway" on the project."

What are some alternatives to "Make headway"?

Alternatives include "make progress", "gain ground", or "advance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "making headway"?

Yes, "making headway" is the present participle form and is grammatically correct. For example: "The company is "making headway" in the market."

What is the difference between "Make headway" and "Make progress"?

"Make headway" often implies overcoming obstacles or resistance, while "Make progress" is a more general term for advancing. You can use "make progress" in situations where the advance is not difficult, while "make headway" might imply struggling a bit to get there.