a gradual process

USAGE SUMMARY

'a gradual process' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe any situation that involves slow and steady progress or change. For example, "Losing weight is a gradual process that requires patience and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a gradual process.

The Guardian

It is a gradual process, he said.

The New York Times

"It is part of a gradual process".

The New York Times

"I think it's been a gradual process.

The Guardian

"It's a gradual process," she said.

The New York Times

It will be a gradual process".

The Guardian

Recognize that grief is a gradual process.

Harvard University

"It's still a gradual process," she added.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a gradual process at the firm, he added.

The New York Times

Removing people from Oombulgurri was a gradual process.

The Guardian - Opinion

And my involvement with that was a gradual process.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a gradual process" to accurately describe situations where change or development occurs incrementally over time. It is especially useful when emphasizing patience and long-term perspective.

Common error

Don't use "a gradual process" when describing events that happen suddenly or instantaneously. This phrase is only appropriate for changes that unfold slowly.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a gradual process" is to act as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use as a subject complement or object of a preposition, describing the nature of a development or change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a gradual process" is a versatile expression used to describe developments that unfold slowly over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, remember to accurately reflect the time frame involved and consider alternative expressions like "a phased approach" or "an evolving situation" to best convey your intended meaning. Being mindful of the timeframe and exploring suitable alternatives can greatly enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A step-by-step progression

Focuses on the incremental nature of the advancement.

An incremental advancement

Highlights small, gradual improvements.

A progressive development

Implies continuous improvement and advancement.

A staged implementation

Similar to "a phased approach", but emphasizes distinct stages.

A phased approach

Emphasizes a structured, step-by-step implementation.

An unfolding process

Emphasizes the revelation of details over time.

A measured transition

Suggests a carefully controlled and paced change.

An evolving situation

Highlights the ongoing changes and developments.

A developing trend

Focuses on the emergence and growth of a particular pattern.

A bit-by-bit change

Highlights that the change is happening little by little.

FAQs

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

You can use "a gradual process" to describe developments or changes that happen slowly over time. For example, "Learning a new language is "a gradual process" that requires consistent effort".

What are some alternatives to "a gradual process"?

Alternatives include "a phased approach", "an evolving situation", or "a step-by-step progression", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "a gradual process" formal or informal?

"A gradual process" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure than on the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "a gradual process" and "a sudden change"?

"A gradual process" describes changes that occur slowly and incrementally, while "a sudden change" refers to an abrupt and immediate shift. They are contrasting concepts.