define progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define progress" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the concept of progress in various contexts, such as personal development, societal changes, or project goals. For example, "Before we move forward, let's define progress in this project." Alternative expressions include "explain progress" and "clarify progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I believe that continuing to define progress for graduates as career progression, pay rises, long hours and property ladders is unsustainable, not only for individuals' wellbeing, but for society.

The Guardian

They define progress.

Independent

"They define progress as very slow, and then they try to argue that's good enough".

The New York Times

The swift change pointed up an emerging issue in the coverage of the war: how to define progress, or the lack of it.

The New York Times

A systematic method to define progress variables for chemistry tabulation is presented.

Combustion and Flame

This approach is used to define progress variables for sample mono-dimensional, and multi-dimensional flamelet libraries of CH4 air combustion.

Combustion and Flame

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Then he tellingly defined progress.

The New York Times

The government defines progress almost entirely in economic terms.

The New York Times

And then it struck me: Part of the reason we've lost our way, part of the reason my generation became complacent, is that many of us have been defining progress for women too narrowly.

The New York Times

Bram Wasti, 16 and a junior at Hunter College High School, recalled that on his first day as a guide, one of the visitors had defined progress as "deprivatizing the Federal Reserve".

The New York Times - Arts

He defines progress as the evolution of humans from selfishness to selflessness (1841, 63).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define progress", be specific about what aspects or outcomes you are measuring. Avoid vague definitions, as they can lead to misinterpretation and difficulty in assessing actual advancement.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone shares the same understanding of progress. Always clarify what "progress" means in your specific context to prevent misunderstandings and ensure clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define progress" functions as a verb phrase, where 'define' is the verb and 'progress' is the direct object. It is used to express the action of establishing or clarifying the meaning of advancement or improvement in a particular context. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "define progress" is a grammatically sound and contextually versatile expression used to clarify the meaning of advancement or improvement. Although it is relatively rare in frequency, Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It appears across various domains, including news, science, and business, highlighting its broad applicability. To ensure effective communication, it's crucial to specify the parameters of "progress" and avoid assumptions of shared understanding. Alternatives such as ""clarify the meaning of progress"" and "establish parameters for progress" can provide nuanced options for conveying the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify the meaning of progress

This alternative highlights making the concept of progress more transparent and understandable.

ascertain the definition of progress

This alternative highlights the act of discovering or ensuring the correct understanding of progress.

elucidate what constitutes progress

This alternative focuses on making the components of progress clear and easy to understand.

establish parameters for progress

This alternative focuses on setting specific criteria or standards to measure progress.

outline the indicators of progress

This alternative emphasizes identifying visible signs to signify progress.

frame the concept of progress

This option emphasizes providing a structure or framework for understanding progress.

characterize the nature of progress

This option focuses on describing the essential qualities of progress.

determine the metrics for progress

This alternative emphasizes identifying quantifiable measures to track advancement.

set benchmarks for progress

This alternative stresses creating reference points to evaluate the degree of progress.

specify the criteria for advancement

This option underlines detailing particular conditions that must be met for progress.

FAQs

How can I use "define progress" in a sentence?

You can use "define progress" to introduce a clarification or specification of what constitutes advancement in a particular situation. For example: "Before implementing this new strategy, we need to "clarify the meaning of progress"".

What's the difference between "define progress" and "measure progress"?

"Define progress" refers to establishing what constitutes improvement or advancement, while "measure progress" refers to assessing the degree to which that defined progress has been achieved.

Which is correct, "define progress" or "defining progress"?

Both are correct depending on the context. "Define progress" is an imperative or infinitive form, used for instructions or general statements. "Defining progress" is a gerund or present participle, used to describe an ongoing action or process.

What can I say instead of "define progress"?

You can use alternatives like ""clarify the meaning of progress"", "establish parameters for progress", or "set benchmarks for progress" depending on the context.