an iterative process

USAGE SUMMARY

"an iterative process" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe a process that involves repeating steps or cycles in order to reach a desired outcome. For example, "We designed the solution using an iterative process, where the initial design was refined and tweaked until it met all of the customer's requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's an iterative process".

The New York Times - Magazine

Design is an iterative process.

The New York Times

It's an iterative process nibbling away".

The Guardian - Business

Inquiry is an iterative process.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Gavin: "It was an iterative process, very Edisonian".

The New Yorker

Developing integrated thinking is a bit of an iterative process.

The Guardian

So it's very much an iterative process.

Cornell University

It will be an "iterative process," Richardson said.

Cornell University

It will be an iterative process, said Greenleaf.

Stanford University

So that turns out to be an iterative process.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And it was sort of an iterative process.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process that involves repeated cycles of design, testing, and refinement, use "an iterative process" to highlight its adaptive nature.

Common error

Avoid using "an iterative process" when you actually mean an additive process where steps are performed sequentially without revisiting earlier stages. An iterative process inherently involves revisiting and refining previous steps based on feedback or new information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an iterative process" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the nature of a method or approach, indicating that it involves repeated cycles of analysis, adjustment, and refinement, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an iterative process" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a cyclical approach involving repeated cycles of analysis, adjustment, and refinement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Predominantly found in academic, news, and scientific contexts, the phrase conveys the adaptive and dynamic nature of a particular activity. Related phrases include "an evolving process" and "a cyclical process". When using this phrase, ensure you're accurately representing a process that involves revisiting and improving upon previous steps rather than a simple sequential progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an evolving process

Focuses on the continuous development and change aspect.

a cyclical process

Highlights the repetitive and recurring nature of the process.

a refining process

Emphasizes the act of improvement through repeated adjustments.

a repetitive cycle

Underscores the recurrent steps involved.

a step-by-step refinement

Highlights the methodical and incremental nature of the process.

a progressive development

Emphasizes the gradual advancement and evolution.

a feedback loop

Focuses on the role of feedback in shaping the process.

a continuous improvement cycle

Highlights the ongoing effort to enhance and perfect.

a spiral development model

Specific to software and project management, indicating iterative development with risk assessment.

a trial-and-error approach

Focuses on learning from mistakes through repeated attempts.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an iterative process" in a sentence?

Use "an iterative process" to describe activities that involve cycles of repetition and refinement. For example, "The software development followed "an iterative process" of design, testing, and feedback".

What are some alternatives to saying "an iterative process"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "an evolving process", "a cyclical process", or "a refining process".

Is there a difference between "an iterative process" and "a repetitive process"?

While both involve repetition, "an iterative process" implies refinement and improvement with each cycle, whereas "a repetitive process" simply means doing the same thing over and over without necessarily leading to better results. The first one is more close to an evolving process.

In what contexts is "an iterative process" most commonly used?

"An iterative process" is frequently used in fields such as software development, design, project management, and scientific research to describe methodologies that involve cycles of testing, feedback, and refinement.