arc of progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arc of progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual development or improvement over time in various contexts, such as social, technological, or personal growth. Example: "The arc of progress in renewable energy technology has been remarkable over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

At that moment, the arc of progress would curve into a vertical line.

The Guardian - Tech

And status symbols do not follow any clearly defined arc of progress.

Nature

Even the shameless man in the White House cannot stop the long arc of progress.

Columbia University

Speaking at a ceremony on Capitol Hill, he echoed Dr Martin Luther King Jr, celebrating the "long arc of progress" towards equality.

The Guardian

What's more, Russell draws extra power from Joy's story by placing it at the crossroads of several modern mythologies — the arc of progress in women's prospects, the twentieth-century urban immigrant experience, and the figure of the self-starting entrepreneur.

The New Yorker

How do you view where women stand now in the arc of progress politically from gaining the right to vote to where we stand today with the surge of women running for office and these wins in the midterms, contrasted against the stark reality of the continued glaring inequity, as well as the current attacks that we face on women's rights and freedoms?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

By reaching the round of 32 for the first time in CIF Individuals competition, Lee continued her arc of progressing further each season and cemented her bid for a second straight All-Area Girls' Singles Player of the Year Award, as voted on by the sports writers and editors of the Glendale News-Press, Burbank Leader and La Cañada Valley Sun.

Los Angeles Times

The arc of innovative progress has reached an inflection point.

Stanford University

He has suggested that his political career has been an extension of the arc of racial progress begun by Lincoln.

The New York Times - Arts

Is there a kind of inevitability to this, do you see it as part of the arc of human progress?

Yale University

You see the arc of his progress in the much-anticipated mid-career survey now at the Whitney Museum, which has arrived by way of Chicago and London, where it caused a predictable fuss.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "arc of progress" to convey a sense of long-term development or improvement, especially in social, political, or technological contexts. It implies that progress may not be linear but follows a curved path.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "arc of progress" implies constant, uninterrupted advancement. Recognize that setbacks and temporary regressions can occur within the overall trajectory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arc of progress" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form. It denotes a gradual and directional advancement over time, often in social, political or technological domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arc of progress" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the gradual development or improvement over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While suggesting directional advancement, the "arc of progress" also acknowledges potential setbacks and non-linear paths. When writing, using related phrases like "path of advancement" or "trajectory of development" can add nuance. Remember that progress isn't always linear; the phrase implies long-term directional change, and that temporary regressions can occur.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

path of advancement

Emphasizes the direction and movement forward, focusing on the advancement aspect.

trajectory of development

Highlights the developmental aspect and the projected course of progress.

course of improvement

Focuses specifically on the enhancement and betterment aspect of the process.

evolutionary trend

Implies a gradual and natural change, akin to an evolutionary process.

historical progression

Stresses the sequence of events in history and their progressive nature.

developmental curve

Similar to "arc", but focuses on the growth or maturation aspect.

advancement timeline

Highlights the chronological aspect of progress and its unfolding over time.

progressive unfolding

Emphasizes the gradual revelation or unfolding of events in a forward direction.

continuous betterment

Focuses on the ongoing and relentless pursuit of improvement.

gradual amelioration

Highlights the slow and steady process of making something better.

FAQs

How can I use "arc of progress" in a sentence?

You can use "arc of progress" to describe the gradual development or improvement over time in a specific area. For example, "The "arc of progress" in renewable energy has been remarkable."

What does the phrase "arc of progress" typically refer to?

The phrase "arc of progress" usually refers to the idea that history or societal development tends to move towards improvement or advancement over long periods, even if there are short-term setbacks or deviations.

Which is the correct way to phrase it, "arc of progress" or "path of progress"?

Both ""arc of progress"" and "path of progress" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Arc" suggests a curved or cyclical movement, while "path" implies a more direct route. The choice depends on the specific context.

What are some similar phrases to "arc of progress" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "path of advancement", "trajectory of development", or "course of improvement depending on the context.