develop gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or change that occurs slowly over time, often in a progressive manner. Example: "The project will develop gradually, allowing us to make adjustments as needed based on feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The interpretation had to develop gradually.

The Guardian

However, relations can only develop gradually over an extended period.

The New York Times

Symptoms of lead poisoning vary; they may develop gradually or appear suddenly after chronic exposure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Livingstone explained, "A baby's eyes start out farsighted and, as they develop, gradually change shape to achieve perfect focus.

The New Yorker

And human beings, who are really good at adapting, found that the Internet, of all places, imposes the restraints they need to let relationships develop gradually.

The New York Times

It may be triggered by a single intense noise such as a gunshot, or it may develop gradually from listening to loud noise without hearing protection.

The New York Times

"It will be interesting now with Raheem Sterling, because I think he should stay with the Under-19s where possible and develop gradually and slightly out of the spotlight.

Independent

Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis develop gradually, taking a day or two to reach maximum levels, which is the best way to distinguish allergic contact dermatitis from atopic dermatitis with similar symptoms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Symptoms may develop gradually, as they did in my dog, which had minimal effects from a Lyme-carrying tick until nine months later, when he collapsed, unable to eat or drink on his own.

The New York Times

For many points, workable approaches for practice need to develop gradually.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Because both visual and cognitive impairments may develop gradually, those affected may not perceive that their driving skill has deteriorated.

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develop gradually", ensure that the context clearly indicates the initial state and the expected final state of the process. This helps the reader understand the scope and trajectory of the development.

Common error

Avoid using "develop gradually" in contexts where a sudden or immediate change is also implied. This creates a contradiction and confuses the reader. For example, do not state that "the symptoms developed gradually and then suddenly appeared".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop gradually" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the manner in which something changes or progresses over time. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is commonly used to express a slow, progressive evolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop gradually" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to describe a slow, progressive evolution. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing its prevalence across diverse contexts. It functions as a verb phrase, emphasizing a steady unfolding over time. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's most frequently found in science, news, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly indicate the initial and final states of the development to avoid ambiguity and, critically, do not pair the idea of a gradual process with sudden change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop steadily

This alternative highlights the consistent and unwavering nature of the development.

develop slowly

This option focuses solely on the speed of development, without implying any particular manner of progression.

develop incrementally

This emphasizes that development occurs in small, distinct stages or additions.

develop eventually

This alternative suggests that something will happen at some unspecified point in the future, with less emphasis on the continuous progression.

develop continuously

This suggests an ongoing development without interruption.

develop successively

This emphasizes a sequence of developments, one after another.

develop increasingly

This emphasizes that the rate or degree of development is growing over time.

provide gradually

This shifts the focus to the act of providing something, rather than the development itself.

implement gradually

This focuses on the act of putting something into effect over time, rather than the inherent development.

prepare gradually

This alternative suggests a gradual process of making something ready.

FAQs

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

You can use "develop gradually" to describe a process or change that happens slowly over time. For example, "The relationship between the two countries "developed gradually" over the years".

What are some alternatives to "develop gradually"?

Alternatives include phrases like "evolve slowly", "progress incrementally", or "grow steadily", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "developed gradually" or should I use a different tense?

The past tense "developed gradually" is correct when describing a process that has already unfolded over time. The present tense "develop gradually" is appropriate for ongoing or habitual processes.

What's the difference between "develop gradually" and "develop rapidly"?

"Develop gradually" indicates a slow and progressive change, while "develop rapidly" implies a quick and accelerated change. The choice depends on the speed at which the development occurs.