but gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

'but gradually' is a correct phrase that is often used in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual change or development over time. For example: "The technology quickly became outdated, but gradually development and innovation brought the sector back to life".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But gradually things changed.

The Economist

But gradually, he relented.

Independent

But gradually that civility eroded.

The New Yorker

But gradually things change.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But gradually, people started to interact.

The New York Times - Science

But gradually his love became more possessive.

The New Yorker

But gradually an overall impression becomes dominant.

The New York Times - Arts

But gradually, new layers develop.

The Guardian - Books

But gradually things took off.

The Guardian

But gradually a downside emerges.

The Guardian - Film

But gradually they are returning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "but gradually" to depict a change in feelings, relationships, or circumstances that are not immediately apparent but evolve subtly.

Common error

Avoid using "but gradually" when describing events that occur rapidly. This phrase is best suited for changes that unfold over extended periods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but gradually" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to connect two contrasting ideas while indicating that the second idea develops or changes slowly over time. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but gradually" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a change or development that occurs slowly over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "but slowly" or "but steadily" exist, "but gradually" offers a balanced and versatile option for indicating a measured transformation. Remember to use it when describing events that unfold over an extended period, avoiding its application to sudden or rapid changes. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for a wide range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but slowly

Emphasizes the lack of speed in the change.

but steadily

Highlights the consistent and unwavering nature of the change.

but progressively

Focuses on the forward-moving aspect of the change.

but in time

Implies that the change requires a certain amount of time to occur.

but eventually

Stresses the final outcome of a process, which happens after some time.

but little by little

Emphasizes the small increments of the change.

but over time

Highlights the importance of time in the unfolding change.

but with time

Similar to "but over time", but perhaps more concise.

but after a while

Suggests that the change happens after a nonspecific period.

but in due course

Implies that the change is inevitable and will happen when the time is right.

FAQs

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

"But gradually" is used to indicate that a change or development occurs over time, often contrasting with an initial state. For example, "Initially, the project faced numerous challenges, but gradually, it began to gain momentum".

What are some alternatives to "but gradually"?

Alternatives include "but slowly", "but steadily", or "but progressively", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "but gradually" or "but eventually"?

"But gradually" emphasizes the process of change over time, while "but eventually" focuses on the final outcome. Use "but gradually" when the step-by-step transformation is important.

Can "but gradually" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "but gradually" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to describe a gradual change. However, consider the specific context and whether a more precise alternative might be more appropriate.