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
developing a tan
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "developing a tan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of skin darkening due to exposure to sunlight or tanning products. Example: "After spending a week at the beach, I noticed that I was developing a tan."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Alternative expressions(19)
getting a tan
sunbathing
basking in the sun
taking in the sun
soaking up the sunshine
soaking up the sun
getting some sun
lounging in the sun
enjoying the sunshine
relaxing under the sun
basking in the light
enjoying the radiance
sunshine in the light
basking in the sunshine
soaking up the luminosity
exulting in the brilliance
basking in the connection
delighting in the illumination
reveling in the glow
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
1 human-written examples
For example, many adolescent females deliberately expose themselves to the sun with the sole purpose of developing a tan because a person with a tan is perceived as more attractive and healthy.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
The $4,000 second prize went to NoUV, which is developing a tanning bed that works without cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation.
"If someone was saying they hadn't been in the sun but had developed a tan, alarm bells would ring and I'd probably ask how they were feeling," says McCullins.
News & Media
In this letter, we utilize an electrical analysis method to develop a TaN thin film resistor with a stricter spec and near-zero temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) for car-used electronic applications.
Science
The episode follows Stewie, who develops a tan, but becomes obsessed with his new look and attempts to keep it, eventually stopping after being told by the doctor he may now have cancer.
Wiki
For instance, perceptions that a tan is attractive and healthy might lead individuals to deliberately expose themselves to the sun without using sun protection to develop a tan.
Science
The Embrapa-48 genotype, which develops a "tan" lesion [ 17], was used as the susceptible standard, and the PI561356 genotype, which carries the Rpp1 resistance gene [ 88], was used as the resistant standard.
Science
It's difficult to develop a tan up here.
Wiki
These exposure times should be based on your skin type, and will help your skin develop a tan gradually without burning.
Wiki
To coincide with "Tanning," he is developing a video series, "The Tanning Effect" with AOL HuffPost Media Group.
News & Media
Bake 30 minutes more, then stir; at this point the milk will have developed a bubbly tan surface (stir this back into the liquid), and rice will have begun to swell.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing about tanning, consider the audience and context. Use "developing a tan" to emphasize the process, especially when detailing the steps or methods involved. For instance, "She is carefully developing a tan using gradual exposure."
Common error
Avoid implying that "developing a tan" is a quick or effortless process. Instead, highlight the gradual and potentially risky nature of tanning. For example, don't say "He developed a tan overnight"; instead, acknowledge the time and potential health implications.
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "developing a tan" functions as a verb phrase with a noun. It describes the ongoing process of acquiring a tan, often through exposure to sunlight or artificial tanning methods. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.
Frequent in
Science
36%
News & Media
36%
Wiki
21%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "developing a tan" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the process of skin darkening due to sun exposure or artificial tanning methods. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While several alternatives exist, such as "getting a tan" or "acquiring a tan", "developing a tan" emphasizes the progression and gradual nature of the process. The phrase is mainly encountered in scientific, news, and general contexts.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
getting a tan
Focuses on the result rather than the process.
acquiring a tan
More formal and emphasizes the act of gaining a tan.
cultivating a tan
Implies a more deliberate and careful process.
building a tan
Highlights the gradual process of tanning.
achieving a tan
Emphasizes the successful outcome of tanning efforts.
darkening the skin
Describes the physiological change without mentioning "tan".
tanning the skin
Verb form focusing on the action performed on the skin.
bronzing the skin
Specifically refers to achieving a bronze color.
sun tanning
Specifically means tanning under the sun.
increasing skin pigmentation
Scientific and technical description.
FAQs
How can I use "developing a tan" in a sentence?
You can use "developing a tan" to describe the process of acquiring a tan, such as, "She is "developing a tan" by spending time in the sun."
What's a good alternative to "developing a tan"?
Alternatives include "getting a tan", "acquiring a tan", or "building a tan", depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Is it correct to say "developing a tan" or should I use another phrase?
"Developing a tan" is perfectly correct and understandable. Other options like "getting a tan" are also valid and frequently used.
What does it mean to be "developing a tan"?
It means that your skin is in the process of darkening due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation, either from the sun or a tanning bed. The skin produces melanin, which results in the tan.
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
79%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested