evolution

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'evolution' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of gradual change and development over time. For example, "The evolution of technology has allowed us to communicate more easily than ever before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The latest evolution of tobacco company strategies involves new nicotine products that make smoking attractive and confound the boundary between toxic and less toxic uses.

The Guardian

It is equally clear: evolution is definitely preferable if it is attainable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lobban credited Turing with starting the "irrevocable change" that led to the formation of GCHQ and its evolution into "the highly technological intelligence organisation that it is today".

The Guardian

But we're still in the very early stages of this evolution," says Kovacs.

The Guardian - Tech

Ian Goodman, head barman at the Oxo tower in London, has a special cocktail list that takes you through the evolution of the Martini, starting with the Martinez from 1887.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

David Singleton, head of engineering for Android Wear at Google, said the companies were ready to "forge a new evolution for the luxury watch of the future".

The Guardian - Tech

It links us through evolution to every other living thing on earth and is an essential part of the story of who we are.

The Guardian

Our concerns that this decision will impact upon the future evolution and growth of thecentre:mk and Central Milton Keynes remain.

The Guardian - Arts

"The discovery of lesula highlights the TL2 Landscape as a significant forest region for the evolution and diversity of guenons, and suggests that there is more diversity yet to be discovered," she said.

The Guardian

What both Heinrich's "sharing ravens' and the macaques of Kampur do provide is a window into the gradual evolution of one of the most human of traits – altruism.

The Guardian

A permanent fixture, everything is explained in it, from the basic principles of palliative care to its origin and evolution.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing biological contexts, ensure you're clear about whether you're referring to microevolution (changes within a species) or macroevolution (the origin of new species).

Common error

Avoid assuming that "evolution" always implies improvement or progress. It simply refers to change over time, which can sometimes lead to less complex or less advantageous traits.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "evolution" is as a noun. It commonly functions as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a process of change or development as seen in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Lifestyle

6%

Music

5%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "evolution" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a gradual process of change and development. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used across numerous domains. While alternatives like "development" or "progression" exist, the choice depends on the specific context. It's important to remember that "evolution" does not inherently imply progress. Its prevalence in News & Media and Science sources underscores its versatility. As Ludwig's examples show, the term applies to biological, technological, and even social transformations, making it a vital concept across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradual development

Emphasizes the incremental and progressive nature of the change.

progressive change

Highlights the forward-moving aspect of the transformation.

historical development

Focuses on the changes that have occurred over a significant period.

gradual transformation

Highlights the gradual and complete change in form or appearance.

unfolding process

Suggests a gradual and revealing development over time.

natural progression

Implies a natural and expected sequence of changes.

developmental history

Focuses on the sequence of changes in the growth of something.

continuous advancement

Highlights ongoing progress and improvement.

systematic change

Suggests a structured and methodical alteration over time.

historical unfolding

Combines the elements of time and revelation of changes.

FAQs

How is "evolution" used in a sentence?

You can use "evolution" to describe the gradual development of something over time. For example, "The "evolution of technology" has transformed communication." Or, "The "evolution of the company" involved several strategic shifts."

What's a good alternative to "evolution"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "development", "progression", or "transformation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "evolution" always a positive change?

No, "evolution" simply means change over time. It does not necessarily imply improvement. For instance, a species might evolve to lose a trait that is no longer beneficial.

How does biological evolution differ from other types of evolution?

Biological evolution refers specifically to changes in the genetic makeup of populations over generations. Other types of "evolution" can refer to the gradual development of ideas, technologies, or social structures.