become progressively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become progressively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual change or development over time. Example: "As the project evolved, the team's approach began to become progressively more innovative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Muscles become progressively weaker, cognition fails.

The Economist

People have become progressively more litigious.

The New York Times

The means of distinguishing oneself become progressively scarce and difficult.

The New York Times

Symptoms tend to become progressively worse over time.

The New York Times - Tech

Luckily these echoes are rare and become progressively rarer.

The New York Times - Books

The game has 27 levels, which become progressively harder.

The New York Times

The stories have become progressively darker and more complicated.

The New York Times

But after that time, according to the analysis, the plan would become progressively more expensive.

The New York Times

Since it was first introduced to Congress, the Dream Act has become progressively more stringent.

The Guardian

All are dizzyingly high, and they become progressively longer as the route goes on.

The Guardian - Travel

Since then, as Gilgoff writes, Dobson has become progressively more enmeshed in national politics.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become progressively", ensure the context clearly indicates what is changing and in what direction. For instance, "The exercises become progressively more challenging" specifies both the subject (exercises) and the nature of the change (more challenging).

Common error

Avoid using "become progressively" when a simpler word like "increase" or "grow" suffices. For instance, instead of "The noise become progressively louder", consider "The noise increased."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become progressively" functions as a linking verb phrase indicating a gradual change or development over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. It connects a subject with a description of how it changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become progressively" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a gradual change or development. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across various sources, primarily in news and media and scientific contexts. Related phrases offer subtle variations in meaning, while mindful writing practices can help avoid redundancy. The phrase serves to communicate a process of gradual transformation, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Use it to show slow development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly develop into

Similar to "become progressively", but with a stronger emphasis on the increasing nature of the development.

gradually develop into

Focuses on the endpoint of the development, emphasizing the transformation.

evolve gradually into

Highlights the evolutionary aspect of the change, suggesting a natural progression.

turn gradually into

Focuses on a change that leads into a new state, emphasizing the transition.

incrementally transform into

Emphasizes the small, incremental steps involved in the transformation.

come gradually to be

Places emphasis on the gradual process of arriving at a new state or condition.

steadily grow into

Suggests a consistent and reliable growth process.

bit by bit develop into

Emphasizes that something is developing little by little, adding a sense of patience.

slowly mature into

Highlights the process of maturation and the slow pace of change.

quietly transition into

Implies a subtle and understated change.

FAQs

How can I use "become progressively" in a sentence?

You can use "become progressively" to describe a gradual change. For example, "The tasks "become progressively difficult" as the course continues".

What are some alternatives to "become progressively"?

Alternatives include "gradually become", "increasingly become", or "slowly evolve". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "became progressively" or "become progressively"?

The choice between "became progressively" and "become progressively" depends on the tense of your sentence. Use "became progressively" for past tense and "become progressively" for present or future tense.

What's the difference between "become progressively" and "become increasingly"?

While similar, "become progressively" implies a more gradual and steady change, whereas "become increasingly" can suggest a more rapid or noticeable change. Both are generally interchangeable, but consider the specific context.