a gradual development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gradual development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or change that occurs slowly over time, often in contexts such as personal growth, project progress, or scientific advancements. Example: "The project showed a gradual development in its features, leading to a more user-friendly interface."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Overall, these type-1 BLA neurons increased their firing rates gradually in parallel to a gradual development of anxiety-like behaviors under conditions of anxiety.

Plosone

The revision was a gradual development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During childhood until puberty there is steady growth in all reproductive organs and a gradual development of activity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Graptolites show a gradual development through time, and evolutionary relationships between different graptolite groups have been discovered and analyzed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although no standardization of form had yet taken place and the arrangement and interrelationship of lines were different in every example, guwen showed a gradual development over jiaguwen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Can't we get to the party sooner?" The trend toward more and more lavish upfront shows has been a gradual development over 20 years, said Betsy Frank, a longtime advertising executive who now is head of research for Time Inc.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The last 50 years have given rise to a gradual evolution in the development of fluorescent indicators for imaging metal ions in cells, tissues, and organisms.

Chemical Reviews

Also, in a speed discrimination task, Manning et al. (2012) reported a more gradual development of thresholds for slow (1.5°/s) than fast (6°/s) speeds.

Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

Beard presents a plausible picture of gradual development from a community of warlords to an urban centre with complex political institutions, institutions which systematically favoured the interests of the upper classes yet allowed scope for the votes of the poor to carry weight.

The Guardian - Books

Tadpole metamorphosis follows a pattern of gradual development of forelimbs and hind limbs, resorption of the tail, shortening of the intestine, disappearance of the gills, and development of lungs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The moment rotation relationship of the joints has an initial stage of gradual development of nonlinearity, followed by a prolonged yielding phase, and then a descending branch.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex projects or changes, use "a gradual development" to emphasize the time and steps involved, making the process seem less overwhelming.

Common error

Avoid using "a gradual development" when referring to instant or immediate changes. The phrase implies a process unfolding over a significant period, so ensure your description aligns with this timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gradual development" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a process or change that occurs incrementally over time. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

Encyclopedias

21%

News & Media

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gradual development" is a widely used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes a process or change occurring slowly over time. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility and proper usage across academic, scientific, news, and even some business contexts. The phrase emphasizes the incremental nature of progress, making it useful for describing complex projects or evolutionary changes. While very common, it's important to avoid using it when referring to immediate events, as this can create a temporal misalignment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a steady progression

Emphasizes the consistent and unwavering nature of the development.

a slow evolution

Highlights the evolutionary aspect of the development, suggesting adaptation and change.

a progressive growth

Focuses on the increasing and advancing nature of the development.

an incremental advancement

Stresses the step-by-step and additive nature of the development.

a phased implementation

Suggests a structured approach to the development, divided into distinct stages.

a step-by-step unfolding

Emphasizes the sequential and revealing nature of the development.

a measured expansion

Highlights the controlled and deliberate nature of the development.

an evolving process

Focuses on the continuous change and transformation inherent in the development.

a building process

Implies a constructive and cumulative approach to the development.

a staged rollout

Indicates a planned and systematic introduction of the development in stages.

FAQs

How can I use "a gradual development" in a sentence?

You can use "a gradual development" to describe processes that unfold slowly over time. For example, "The company experienced "a gradual development" in its market share."

What phrases are similar to "a gradual development"?

Alternatives include "a steady progression", "a slow evolution", or "a progressive growth", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a gradual development"?

Yes, "a gradual development" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a process that unfolds slowly and steadily.

What is the difference between "a gradual development" and "a sudden change"?

"A gradual development" implies a slow, incremental process, while "a sudden change" indicates an abrupt and immediate shift. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of a spectrum of change.