ascend gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ascend gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of increasing or rising slowly over time, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The temperature will ascend gradually throughout the day, reaching its peak in the afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Tennis career trajectories tend to ascend gradually and descend precipitously, with the slope most slippery at the inflection point.

The New York Times - Sports

Scuba divers typically go no deeper than 30m and must ascend gradually to avoid decompression sickness, known as "the bends".

The Guardian

(Safety precautions require divers to ascend gradually, staying in one spot for several minutes at a time to allow nitrogen to exit the bloodstream, otherwise they may get decompression sickness).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ascending gradually to about 2,000ft, we reached Likhubula Forest Lodge, my resting place for the night at Mulanje's base.

The Guardian - Travel

Why not convert the little-trafficked block of Little West 12th Street, between West Street and Washington Street, into a sloped pasture that ascends gradually to the deck of the High Line?

The New York Times

In addition, with the increase of yaw the total pressure recovery is fairly constant, while the circular total pressure distortion ascends gradually.

Chinese Journal of Aeronautics

With a flick of my switch, my 3-year-old mare, Reem, broke into a canter, and we ascended gradually toward the top of a ridge.

The New York Times - Travel

Twin cast-iron tubes, 15 to 16 feet in diameter, were built in sections from either side of the river, sloping down to a center point beneath the river bottom and ascending gradually to the other side.

The New York Times

Spending nights at the villages of Phortse Tenga (3,700m), Dole (4,200m), Machhermo (4,500m) and Gokyo (4,800m) offers a comfortable four-day approach to the foot of the mountain from Namche Bazaar, ascending gradually through the thinning air.

BBC

In the case of the 2011 Shinmoe-dake eruption, the magma ascended gradually up the conduit over a period of about 2 years (Imakiire and Oowaki, 2011), and was stored in the conduit and the shallow magma chamber until the beginning of the sub-Plinian eruptions.

Earth, Planets and Space

North of the river, the bank rises to 1200 feet before ascending gradually northwest to the Ray Mountains.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ascend gradually" to describe processes or movements that increase steadily over time, avoiding sudden jumps or peaks. This is particularly useful in scientific or technical contexts where precision is important.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ascend gradually" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "go up slowly" or "rise steadily" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ascend gradually" functions as a verb phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a manner of movement or increase. Ludwig examples show its use in describing physical ascent, as well as abstract processes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ascend gradually" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a slow, steady increase or rise, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's more common in formal writing and technical contexts, as seen in its usage across news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While "ascend gradually" is suitable for describing physical or abstract processes that unfold deliberately, simpler alternatives like "rise steadily" or "climb slowly" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Ludwig AI finds that it is not a very frequent expression, but can be used safely if the context is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rise steadily

Emphasizes a consistent upward movement without specifying rate or intensity.

increase incrementally

Highlights small, measured steps in the upward progression.

climb slowly

Focuses on the pace of ascending, suggesting a deliberate and unhurried motion.

progress upward gently

Adds a sense of smoothness and lack of abruptness to the upward movement.

mount gradually

A more formal synonym, indicating a slow and measured climb.

slowly go up

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the action of going up at a slow pace.

move upwards gradually

Adds emphasis to the direction of movement.

develop upwards slowly

Focuses on the growing aspect of the gradual increase.

step up gradually

implies ascending to a position of responsibility or status

incline gently

Focuses on a slight or moderate upward slope or slant.

FAQs

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

You can use "ascend gradually" to describe a slow and steady increase or rise. For example: "The temperature will "ascend gradually" throughout the morning."

What are some alternatives to "ascend gradually"?

Alternatives include "rise steadily", "increase incrementally", or "climb slowly" depending on the context.

Is "ascend gradually" formal or informal?

"Ascend gradually" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "go up slowly" or "rise steadily".

What's the difference between "ascend gradually" and "rise sharply"?

"Ascend gradually" describes a slow, progressive increase, while "rise sharply" describes a sudden, rapid increase. The key difference is the speed and intensity of the upward movement.