build up gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build up gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of increasing or developing something slowly over time. Example: "To achieve lasting results, it's important to build up gradually rather than rushing into things."

✓ Grammatically correct

Health

Exercise

Improvement Processes

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Their bottom profiles, therefore, build up gradually with time.

Britannica

Repeat four to six times; build up gradually to eight to 12 repetitions.

Harvard University

Cooper's advice is to start with just one thing and build up gradually.

The Guardian

Start slowly if you are out of shape, then build up gradually to 3 4 hours a week.

Harvard University

2. Always work at your own pace and build up gradually as you increase your strength and fitness levels.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It can build up gradually," says Bonnick, who runs the campaigning and resource website Holes in the Wall.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Though they have since been built up gradually, she said, they remain about 10percentt below pre-Sept.

The New York Times

If the sediment had built up gradually, the upper portions should show more damage; instead, except for the roof's dome, at the surface, its preservation is consistent from bottom to top.

The New York Times - Science

And then there's her experience, her contacts built up gradually during years of work at relatively high levels … Ever since the start of her political career, she has worked on foreign policy.

The Guardian

1Q84 is not self-consciously hard-boiled in the manner of Murakami's early fiction (say, A Wild Sheep Chase), but it builds up gradually to a few passages of extremely potent suspense.

The Guardian - Books

Still photos showed little difference between the expressions, but video analysis revealed a crucial distinction: typically, happy smiles built up gradually, while frustrated smiles appeared quickly but faded fast.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a training regimen, use "build up gradually" to emphasize the importance of not overexerting oneself early on, reducing the risk of injury and promoting long-term adherence.

Common error

Avoid using "build up gradually" when the context requires immediate action or a sudden increase. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where slow and steady progress is preferred over rapid change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build up gradually" primarily functions as a verb phrase, typically used to modify a verb, adjective, or another verb phrase, often indicating the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

23%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "build up gradually" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that advises a slow and steady approach to growth or development. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly used in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources, and carries a neutral to informal tone. When using "build up gradually", consider the context to ensure that incremental progress aligns with the intended message, avoiding situations where immediacy is required. Alternatives such as "increase incrementally" or "develop progressively" can provide nuanced variations for similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase incrementally

Focuses on small, measured increases over time.

develop progressively

Highlights the ongoing nature of the development.

advance step by step

Emphasizes a structured and methodical progression.

escalate steadily

Suggests a controlled and consistent rise in intensity.

accumulate slowly

Focuses on the gradual gathering of something over time.

evolve over time

Implies a natural and organic development.

gain traction slowly

Suggests that progress is initially slow but eventually picks up pace.

unfold gradually

Emphasizes the way that something reveals itself slowly.

proceed in stages

Highlights the methodical, phased approach to building up something.

establish little by little

Focuses on the small incremental steps to establish something over time.

FAQs

How can I use "build up gradually" in a sentence?

You can use "build up gradually" to describe a process of increasing something slowly over time, such as "To improve your fitness, you should "build up gradually" by increasing your workout intensity each week".

What are some alternatives to "build up gradually"?

Alternatives to "build up gradually" include phrases like "increase incrementally", "develop progressively", or "advance step by step" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "build up gradually"?

Yes, "build up gradually" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English. It accurately conveys the idea of a slow and steady increase or development over time.

What does "build up gradually" mean?

"Build up gradually" means to increase or develop something slowly over time, often in stages, to avoid overwhelming the system or individual involved. It emphasizes a controlled and progressive approach.