approaching gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approaching gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or change that occurs slowly over time. Example: "The storm clouds were approaching gradually, signaling the onset of a heavy rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For accurate pointing, a vast number of points have to be taken, and the final surface is approached gradually.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Unity is designed to handle nearly twice the speeds achieved today, but these tolerances must of course be approached gradually and the various systems tested under friendly conditions before moving on to hostile ones.

TechCrunch

Participants were approached gradually throughout the study, until saturation was achieved.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

But when resveratrol was added, the expression of E-cadherin and Vimentin approached gradually to the previous level without addition of TGF-β1.

BMC Cancer

The child is given "homework" assignments to start approaching situations gradually, with or without a parent or guardian, that had previously been avoided.

The New York Times - Health

For many, approaching Tibet gradually by train will be preferable to flying in, as it will allow more time to acclimatise and reduce the chance of altitude sickness.

The Economist

And at the letter's end he said goodbye: "I see death approach gradually without any anxiety or regret.

The New York Times

We took a measured approach, gradually introducing learners to new technologies taking time to consider feedback and engaging groups in testing new content.

The Guardian

Only at the letter's end did he report on his own state: "I see death approach gradually without any anxiety or regret.

The New York Times

Beyond energy, the administration's approach gradually outlines the elements of a manufacturing policy — what Lawrence H. Summers, director of the National Economic Council, described as "a number of things to support manufacturing".

The New York Times

A true alternative should build on this approach — gradually bringing market forces to bear on the problems of the uninsured and of exploding health-care costs — instead of repeating Republican mistakes of the recent past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "approaching gradually" to describe situations where a slow, measured pace is essential for safety, accuracy, or comfort, such as in medical treatments or sensitive negotiations.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessive use of "approaching gradually" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "slowly nearing" or "progressing slowly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approaching gradually" functions primarily as a verbal phrase or adverbial modifier, describing how an action or event is unfolding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and denotes a slow, measured progression towards a specific state or outcome. The examples show it modifying verbs related to physical movement, development and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approaching gradually" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a slow and measured progression. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used to emphasize the gradual nature of an action. While not overly common, it appears in diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "drawing nearer slowly" or "coming closer gradually" for similar effect. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy and maintain writing clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drawing nearer slowly

Replaces "approaching" with "drawing nearer" and "gradually" with "slowly", emphasizing the act of becoming closer at a reduced pace.

coming closer gradually

Substitutes "approaching" with "coming closer", offering a more direct and straightforward expression.

slowly nearing

Inverts the order and simplifies the phrasing, focusing on the slow pace of the nearing action.

progressing slowly

Shifts the focus to the progression or development aspect of approaching, rather than spatial proximity.

developing incrementally

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the approach or development.

inching closer over time

Emphasizes the small, almost imperceptible movements towards a closer position over a duration.

advancing by degrees

Uses a more formal tone to suggest a measured and methodical progression.

step by step

Uses a clear and short way to express a process made by small steps.

evolving gradually

Focuses on the evolutionary aspect of approaching, suitable for situations involving change and adaptation.

unfolding slowly

Emphasizes the revealing or unfolding nature of the approach or development, suggesting a gradual unveiling.

FAQs

How can I use "approaching gradually" in a sentence?

You can use "approaching gradually" to describe something that is developing or moving closer slowly over time. For example, "The deadline is "approaching gradually", so we still have time to complete the project."

What are some alternatives to "approaching gradually"?

Alternatives to "approaching gradually" include phrases like "drawing nearer slowly", "coming closer gradually", or "slowly nearing", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "approaching gradually"?

While "approaching" inherently implies movement, "gradually" emphasizes the slow, measured pace of that movement. It's not necessarily redundant, but consider if the gradual aspect is crucial to the meaning you want to convey. Otherwise, "approaching" alone might suffice.

What's the difference between "approaching gradually" and "approaching rapidly"?

"Approaching gradually" suggests a slow and controlled movement or development, while "approaching rapidly" implies a quick and perhaps unexpected arrival. The key difference is the speed at which something is coming closer or developing.