appear to be progressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appear to be progressing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the development or advancement of a situation, project, or individual, often implying that the progress is not yet confirmed. Example: "The team's efforts on the project appear to be progressing well, as they have met several key milestones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Peace negotiations between Macedonian and Albanian officials appear to be progressing.

The New York Times

But those efforts appear to be progressing more slowly, in part because there is less of a vacuum to fill.

The New York Times

Negotiations on other elements of a second bailout, expected to be worth an additional €80 billion to €90 billion, or $113 billion to $127 billion, appear to be progressing more smoothly.

The New York Times

The prognosis was equally bleak for Davis, who has been on the disabled list since May 11 with a sprained ankle and a bone bruise and does not appear to be progressing.

The New York Times - Sports

But an N.F.L. official indicated that deals are either complete or imminent with the last five of the Giants' draft picks -- Rounds 3 through 7 -- and the negotiations with their first-round pick, tight end Jeremy Shockey, appear to be progressing.

The New York Times - Sports

And those plans appear to be progressing nicely.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The national peace deal appears to be progressing.

The New York Times

The deal now appears to be progressing again.

The Guardian

For a long time, Georgian and Russian investigations appeared to be progressing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Singer Capital Markets said: Reed appears to be progressing with a slow break-up of trade magazine business RBI.

The Guardian - Business

In later books, such as Cathedral, Carver appeared to be progressing to a more ample style - a development not welcomed by all his readers.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appear to be progressing" to convey a sense of ongoing but not yet fully confirmed advancement. It's useful when you want to express cautious optimism or indicate that progress is visible but still unfolding.

Common error

Avoid using "appear to be progressing" when definitive progress has already been established. Instead, use stronger phrases like "is progressing" or "has progressed" to reflect certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appear to be progressing" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the subject to a description of its current state of development. It suggests an observation of ongoing advancement without confirming its ultimate success. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appear to be progressing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate ongoing development or advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a solid choice for expressing cautious optimism or noting visible progress that isn't yet conclusive. While its usage spans various contexts, it's most common in news, science, and business, lending itself well to neutral and professional settings. When using this phrase, remember to avoid overstating the progress and consider stronger alternatives if the advancement is already certain. Alternatives like "seem to be advancing" or "show signs of development" offer similar nuances for different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem to be advancing

Emphasizes the visual impression of forward movement or development.

look to be improving

Suggests a positive change or betterment that is becoming evident.

show signs of development

Highlights observable indicators suggesting growth or evolution.

suggest ongoing advancement

Formally indicates continuous improvement or promotion.

indicate forward momentum

Highlights the force or speed of advancement.

are seemingly evolving

Implies a gradual and natural process of change or growth.

present indications of growth

Focuses on the visible signs and the underlying process of expansion.

appear to be shaping up

Indicates that something is developing in a positive and organized way.

seem to be unfolding

Suggests a gradual revelation or development of events or situations.

look as if they're on track

Indicates adherence to a planned course of action and the likelihood of achieving goals.

FAQs

How can I use "appear to be progressing" in a sentence?

You can use "appear to be progressing" to describe the development of a project, negotiation, or even someone's recovery. For example, "Negotiations between the parties "appear to be progressing" well".

What are some alternatives to "appear to be progressing"?

Alternatives include "seem to be advancing", "look to be improving", or "show signs of development". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "appears to progress" or "appear to be progressing"?

"Appear to be progressing" is generally preferred because it emphasizes the ongoing nature of the progress. "Appears to progress" is grammatically correct but less common and might imply a habitual action rather than current development.

What does it mean when something "appears to be progressing"?

It means that there are indications or signs suggesting that something is moving forward or developing, but the outcome is not yet certain. It implies a degree of uncertainty or cautious optimism.