Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
developed incrementally
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "developed incrementally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process or project that is built or improved upon in small, gradual steps over time. Example: "The software was developed incrementally, allowing for regular updates and user feedback to shape its features."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(20)
built up slowly
accumulated gradually
improved steadily
implemented progressively
phased implementation
implemented over time
progressed linearly
increased in a linear manner
increased steadily
built successively
changed modestly
slightly modified
constructed bit by bit
formed gradually
built upon itself
self-sustaining
build upon itself
builds upon itself
picked up steam
completed over time
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
11 human-written examples
The development of curation rules is not a simple process: the rules are being developed incrementally on multiple GO versions with a few curators involved.
The strip could be developed incrementally, as demand for office space dictated.
News & Media
The IDSE was developed incrementally, adding functionality relating to the provision of organisational decision support (DS) with the performance evaluation after each development stage.
Science
This hazardous condition developed incrementally, but is hard to reverse quickly.
These models have developed incrementally over time, being grounded in the broader causal concepts that have been outlined thus far.
Science
It was developed incrementally, in stages, through reflection, discussion, disagreement and debate over the first four hundred years of Church history.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
49 human-written examples
Human beings are notoriously poor at responding to problems that develop incrementally.
News & Media
But as the research develops incrementally, it should be possible to turn visible things invisible, Professor Wegener said.
News & Media
Slow-onset hazards develop incrementally over longer time periods and examples include erosion and gradual inundation.
Science
But women have worked hard to develop incrementally their own college and professional arenas, their own measures of expectation and excellence.
News & Media
The duets for Romeo and Juliet develop incrementally, and while it matters that they grow up in stages (teenage angst and desire lead to passion and fulfillment), their dances have a tendency to fade from memory.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "developed incrementally" when you want to emphasize that something has evolved or been created in small, gradual stages, rather than all at once. This can highlight the iterative nature of the process.
Common error
Avoid using "developed incrementally" if the process was actually fast-paced or involved significant leaps rather than gradual steps. Ensure your word choice accurately reflects the actual pace of development.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "developed incrementally" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something was developed. It indicates the manner or method of development, emphasizing gradual and progressive advancement. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
30%
Academia
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "developed incrementally" is a grammatically correct and usable adverbial phrase that describes a gradual and progressive development process. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is most frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. Alternative phrases include "progressed gradually" and "evolved step by step". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the pace of development and avoids misrepresenting a rapid or significantly iterative process.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
progressed gradually
Focuses on the gradual progression of something, emphasizing the rate of change.
evolved step by step
Highlights the step-by-step nature of the development process.
built up slowly
Emphasizes the accumulation of elements over time leading to development.
advanced in stages
Highlights the development occurring in distinct phases or stages.
unfolded gradually
Emphasizes the revealing or unfolding of something over time.
matured over time
Implies a natural progression towards completeness or a better state.
expanded incrementally
Focuses on the expansion aspect of development, happening in small steps.
accumulated gradually
Highlights the accumulation of something (like knowledge or features) over time.
grew bit by bit
Emphasizes the small, individual increments of growth.
improved steadily
Focuses on continuous and consistent improvement over time.
FAQs
What does "developed incrementally" mean?
The phrase "developed incrementally" means that something has evolved or been built gradually, step by step, often through small additions or changes over time. It emphasizes a slow, progressive development process.
How can I use "developed incrementally" in a sentence?
You might say, "The software was "developed incrementally", allowing for regular updates and user feedback to shape its features" or "The city's infrastructure "expanded incrementally" as the population grew".
What are some alternatives to "developed incrementally"?
You can use alternatives like "progressed gradually", "evolved step by step", or "built up slowly" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "incrementally developed" instead of "developed incrementally"?
While "incrementally developed" is grammatically correct, it serves more as an adjective phrase describing something that has been developed in increments. "Developed incrementally" focuses on the process of development. For example, you might describe "incrementally developed" neighborhoods.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested