The phrase "but a gradual process" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something takes time and cannot be rushed or done quickly. Examples of when this phrase can be used are: - "Becoming fluent in a language is not an overnight achievement, but a gradual process that takes dedication and consistency." - "Healing from a traumatic experience is not an easy or quick fix, but a gradual process that requires patience and self-care." - "Achieving success in any field is not just about talent, but a gradual process of learning, practicing, and improving over time."
The transition from silent films to sound was not something that happened overnight, but a gradual process that began with the talking shorts of the mid-'20s and continued until 1930, when the last silent films were produced in Hollywood.
Torajans traditionally believe that death is not a sudden, abrupt event, but a gradual process toward Puya (the land of souls, or afterlife).
This is consistent with observations coming from other systems and supports the notion that speciation is not instantaneous but a gradual process, during which different species are still able to exchange some genes, while selection prevents gene flow at other loci.
On the other hand, the same record may be interpreted as not particularly punctuated but rather a gradual process, with the rate of change somewhat greater at particular times.
Recognizing that work-rule changes are in order, in September the union proposed a new "thin" contract that would do away with a vast majority of rules -- but in a gradual process that would begin with perhaps 150 schools and be expanded once teachers saw that the new process was not the end of the world.
They were particularly unhappy about the president's State of the Nation address on May 21, in which she said education reform was "underway" but also "a gradual process".
At this point the majority of the population was probably still Catholic in persuasion and the kirk would find it difficult to penetrate the Highlands and Islands, but began a gradual process of conversion and consolidation that, compared with reformations elsewhere, was conducted with relatively little persecution.
Colleagues like Annette Brooke already are paying interns minimum wage, but it's a gradual process.
But this is a gradual process which will take place over several days and weeks.
The process is actually moving the market toward recovery, but it's a gradual process, he said.
It does decline, but it's a gradual process and it will differ from woman to woman.
