develops

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "develops" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb which means to gradually grow or cause something to grow. For example, you could say "The company developed a new product over the last year".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fairweather, a designer by training and expert in recycling technologies and materials development, now develops materials from coffee grounds and uses them to design products including furniture, jewellery and coffee machines.

The Guardian

"Our new communications data legislation will strengthen our ability to disrupt terrorist plots, criminal networks and organised child grooming gangs, even as technology develops.

The Guardian

It has the second largest oil reserves among the former Soviet republics after Russia, and its oil exports are expected to soar as its huge Kashagan oil field, in the Caspian Sea, develops.

The Guardian

"Think of the entrepreneur as Steve Jobs as he develops the iPod, J.K. Rowling as she writes her Harry Potter books, or Steven Spielberg as he directs his blockbuster movies.

The New York Times

I intend to continue listening to our clients and letting them influence how the business develops in the future.

The Guardian

While it may be difficult to accept, children may get on better with one parent than the other, and this may change as the child develops, switching between one to the other.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is a theme that sub-Saharan Africa's first UN secretary-general develops later in an interview with the Guardian in a luxury villa at the five-star Saxon Hotel.

The Guardian

Maybe the GIB could be a 'temporary liability' until it develops credibility and a portfolio?

The Guardian

Consultant editor who writes on climate change and develops special projects such as data visualisations, the Ultimate Climate Change FAQ, carbon calculators, the Manchester Report, the Carbon Footprint of Everything and 10 10.

The Guardian

Technology started to influence the way Africa develops in a big way with the introduction of GSM services in the late 1990s.

The Guardian

The current iteration of the character has the alter-ego Carol Danvers, a sometime US Air Force pilot who develops cosmic superpowers including flight, super-strength and "energy projection" after gaining extraterrestrial DNA during an accident on a restricted military base.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develops", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being developed and the nature of the development. For instance, specify if it's a skill, a product, or a relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "develops" to describe something already fully formed or static. "Develops" implies an ongoing process of change and improvement, not a fixed state.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "develops" is as a third-person singular present tense verb. It describes an action or process that a subject (usually singular) is currently undergoing. This aligns with Ludwig AI, which identifies it as the third person singular of "develop".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "develops" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile verb used to describe the evolution or progression of something over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's the third-person singular present tense of "develop". It appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, showing its broad applicability. When using "develops", make sure that you imply an ongoing process rather than a static state. For situations needing alternative phrases you can consider "evolves", "grows", or "advances" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evolves

Focuses on gradual change and unfolding over time, similar to develops but emphasizing a natural progression.

grows

Emphasizes an increase in size or maturity, often used in contexts of living things or expanding systems.

advances

Highlights forward movement and progress, suggesting improvement and increased sophistication.

progresses

Similar to advances, but focuses on continuous movement toward a goal or improved state.

forms

Indicates the creation of something new, often from constituent parts or through a specific process.

generates

Emphasizes the production or creation of something, often in a more active or forceful way.

produces

Similar to generates, but may also refer to agricultural or industrial output.

cultivates

Implies careful nurturing and fostering of growth or development, often in a deliberate manner.

fosters

Highlights the creation of conditions that promote growth or development, often in abstract contexts.

constructs

Focuses on building or assembling something, often through a deliberate and planned process.

FAQs

How can I use "develops" in a sentence?

You can use "develops" to describe the growth or evolution of something over time. For example, "The child "develops" new skills as they grow" or "The company "develops" innovative products to meet market demand."

What are some alternatives to the word "develops"?

Alternatives to "develops" include "evolves", "grows", "advances", and "progresses". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "develops" and "evolves"?

"Develops" typically implies a deliberate or managed process of growth, while "evolves" suggests a more natural or organic progression. Both terms refer to change over time, but their connotations differ.

What is the correct usage of "develops" in a scientific context?

In scientific writing, "develops" can describe the growth of organisms, the progression of diseases, or the refinement of theories. For instance, "The research team observes how the virus "develops" resistance to the drug" or "The scientist "develops" a new hypothesis based on the experimental results."