a positive progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive progress" is not correct in standard English usage.
The word "progress" is generally uncountable, so it should not be preceded by "a." Example: "We have made significant progress in our project this quarter."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But it's not going to be hard for schools in affluent areas to get a positive Progress 8 score.

The Guardian

If they do better and get Bs or As, they will have a positive Progress 8 score that will improve their school's average.

The Guardian

Here we report a positive progress on stabilizing the catalyst by modulating 2D graphene as an advanced support of Pt nanoparticles, where the interlayer of graphene is near perfectly intercalated by nano-B4C ceramics.

Carbon

A recent scoping review of health game research showed a constant growth over the past few years and a positive progress towards adapting new technology in specialised health contexts.

BMC Geriatrics

First, as long the parents start feeling a positive progress of their sibling in his/her academia, they may provide more financial support as an amicable award for his/her hard-work.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Additionally, replacing the methoxy group (–OCH3) by an ethoxy group (–OCH2CH3) in all positions did not show any positive progress on activity.

Chemistry Central Journal

For educators it is important to understand what can contribute to a more positive progress of the transition period [ 27].

BMC Veterinary Research

The Note 7 looked like being a continuation of positive progress for Samsung this year.

TechCrunch

What appears to make games different from other media in that regard?" While there are sad stories to be found within the pages of Death by Video Game, there's hope, too, woven through some very personal, intimate recollections of how gaming has steered Parkin's subjects back onto a path of positive progress.

Vice

While there are sad stories to be found within the pages of Death By Video Game, there's hope, too, woven through some very personal, intimate recollections of how gaming has steered Parkin's subjects back onto a path of positive progress.

Vice

It's a good strategic move to start the discussion with a discussion of your positive progress, such as results of a new analysis, not with problems or frustrations.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing advancement, use "progress" without the article "a" to ensure grammatical correctness. For example, say "positive progress" instead of "a positive progress".

Common error

Avoid using the indefinite article "a" before the word "progress" because "progress" is generally considered an uncountable noun. Using "a" suggests it's countable, which is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a noun phrase intended to describe advancement or improvement. The addition of the article "a" before the uncountable noun "progress" makes it grammatically incorrect, as pointed out by Ludwig AI. The intended meaning is to highlight a forward movement or positive change.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a positive progress" aims to convey a sense of advancement or improvement, it's grammatically incorrect because "progress" is generally an uncountable noun. As Ludwig AI indicates, it should not be preceded by the indefinite article "a". Though examples exist across news media, science, and business contexts, it's better to use grammatically sound alternatives like "positive development" or "constructive advancement". By avoiding the article "a", you ensure clearer and more accurate communication in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positive development

Replaces the noun 'progress' with 'development', which is grammatically sounder and carries a similar meaning.

constructive advancement

Substitutes both 'positive' and 'progress' for synonyms that emphasize building or improving.

favorable trend

Uses a different angle, focusing on the direction of change being positive rather than the progress itself.

encouraging evolution

Shifts the focus to a gradual, positive change over time.

promising improvement

Highlights the expectation of a positive change or betterment.

good headway

An idiomatic alternative, suggesting notable progress is being made.

real gains

Focuses on tangible benefits that have been achieved.

significant strides

Emphasizes large or important steps forward.

notable forward movement

Directly describes a positive shift in direction or position.

successful furtherance

Highlights the act of something being moved forward positively and successfully.

FAQs

Why is it incorrect to say "a positive progress"?

The noun "progress" is generally considered uncountable in English. Therefore, it doesn't take the indefinite article "a". It's more appropriate to say "positive progress" without the article.

What are some alternatives to "a positive progress"?

You can use alternatives like "positive development", "constructive advancement", or "favorable trend" depending on the specific context.

How can I use the word "progress" correctly in a sentence?

Use "progress" as an uncountable noun without the article "a". For example, "We are making positive progress on the project" is grammatically correct.

Is there a difference in meaning between "positive progress" and "positive development"?

While both phrases indicate improvement, "positive progress" focuses more on the forward movement towards a goal, whereas "positive development" emphasizes the evolution or growth in a beneficial way. The difference is subtle and depends on the specific context.