evolve

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'evolve' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process of gradual change and development. For example, "Over time, the company evolved from a small business to a large corporation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Hungary had to evolve an entirely new method of play if we were to make any headway in international football".

The Guardian - Sport

My thoughts and feelings around drinking and sobriety continue to evolve.

The Guardian

Critics may point out some omissions, such as Rustie's Glass Swords – a Technicolor rave-pop record that won the Guardian's first album award, or Evolve or Be Extinct, the latest grime offering from Wiley.

The Guardian - Music

If they need to evolve and change, let those decisions be taken locally and for the right reasons.

The Guardian

Much like Jesus with the water and the wine, Alexa Chung wearing a beige apron with a navy shirt – a little bit Marni, a little bit Jil Sander – on The Great Comic Relief Bake Off last night sounds blah, but will no doubt see the pinny evolve into a festival staple this summer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Throughout its 106-year history, the movement has continued to evolve and today marks an important step in that journey," said Wayne Bulpitt, UK chief commissioner for the Scouts.

The Guardian

So how can we evolve a set of legal principles alongside technology?

The Guardian

"Export controls and their effective implementation are as important as ever as threats to global security continue to evolve".

The Guardian

The length of the research period would enable us to really get to the crux of how their relationships with energy would evolve over this time.

The Guardian

And Europe will only evolve by degrees, not in leaps and bounds.

The Guardian

But according to Abu Ahmed, the group used the opportunity to evolve, revealing a pragmatism in addition to its hardline ideology.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "evolve", consider the subtle differences between it and alternatives like "develop" or "transform" to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of gradual change.

Common error

Avoid using "evolve" when referring to sudden or abrupt changes. "Evolve" implies a gradual process, so using it for immediate transformations can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The word "evolve" primarily functions as an intransitive verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing gradual development or change over time, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Evolve is a versatile verb used to describe the gradual process of change and development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, especially in news, science, and business. While alternatives like "develop" and "transform" exist, "evolve" specifically implies a progressive unfolding. Remember to use it for gradual changes rather than abrupt transformations to maintain accuracy and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop

Focuses on a progressive unfolding or expansion, often implying growth from a simpler to a more complex state.

transform

Emphasizes a significant change in form or appearance, often implying a radical shift.

change

A general term for becoming different, without necessarily implying progress or improvement.

advance

Suggests moving forward or making progress, often in a specific direction or field.

mature

Implies reaching a state of full development or readiness.

progress

Focuses on improvement or advancement toward a goal.

grow

Highlights an increase in size, number, or strength over time.

unfold

Suggests a gradual revelation or unveiling of something previously hidden or unknown.

morph

Indicates a gradual or subtle transformation, often in a biological or evolutionary context.

convert

Signifies changing into another form or state, often with a specific purpose or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "evolve" in a sentence?

You can use "evolve" to describe how something gradually changes over time. For example, "The company's strategy had to "develop" and "evolve" to stay competitive".

What can I say instead of "evolve"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""develop"", "transform", or "change".

Which is correct, "evolve" or "transform"?

"Evolve" implies a gradual development, while "transform" suggests a more radical or sudden change. The correct choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "evolve" and "change"?

"Change" is a general term for becoming different, while ""evolve"" implies a gradual, progressive development or adaptation over time.