getting progressively shorter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting progressively shorter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is decreasing in length or duration over time. Example: "The days are getting progressively shorter as we approach winter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"The time you have with your doctor is getting progressively shorter, yet there's so much more to talk about.

The New York Times - Health

Affection does, though, take its time, and there was some relief in finding the four movements of Mr. Harrison's concerto getting progressively shorter.

The New York Times - Arts

The instrumental writing in the variations is as beautifully crafted as ever, built upon a rotating sequence of four chords and creating a fast-slow-fast scheme, with the movements getting progressively shorter.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The time to detection gets progressively shorter as the infection rate increases >40%.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

There is mounting evidence that cycle length gets progressively shorter within the first three to five episodes, then it approaches a level corresponding to the maximum individual frequency of episodes [ 3].

BMC Psychiatry

"Since the early 1990s hair has been getting progressively longer – so long that hair extensions became perfectly acceptable – and now we're having to go short.

Independent

"This problem is getting progressively worse.

The Guardian

The Nets body-language has been getting progressively more downcast.

The Guardian - Sport

American consumers have been getting progressively harder to please.

The New York Times

But the reality is that cars are getting progressively cleaner.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's definitely been getting progressively worse," Ms. DiNatale said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "getting progressively shorter", ensure the context clearly indicates what is decreasing in length or duration. For example, specify "days getting progressively shorter" or "movie scenes getting progressively shorter".

Common error

Avoid using "getting progressively shorter" when describing things becoming less significant or less important. While 'short' can imply 'insignificant' in some contexts, this phrase specifically relates to physical or temporal length.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting progressively shorter" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate a gradual decrease in length or duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting progressively shorter" is a grammatically sound way to describe a gradual decrease in length or duration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While relatively uncommon, it appears in diverse contexts like news reports and scientific papers. For alternative phrasing, consider "becoming gradually shorter" or "decreasing in length over time". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what exactly is diminishing. While versatile, remember it refers to physical or temporal length rather than abstract significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming gradually shorter

Uses "gradually" instead of "progressively" to emphasize the slow, incremental decrease.

decreasing in length over time

Replaces "getting progressively shorter" with a more descriptive phrase focused on length and time.

reducing in duration incrementally

Focuses on duration and uses "incrementally" for a measured decrease.

becoming successively briefer

Employs "successively" to highlight the sequential shortening and "briefer" as a synonym.

diminishing steadily in length

Replaces "getting progressively shorter" with a more descriptive phrase focused on length and time.

shortening more and more

Emphasizes the increase in shortness in a simple way.

getting increasingly concise

Switches the focus to "concise", implying shorter in terms of content or expression.

contracting gradually

Uses "contracting" to suggest a reduction in size or length over time.

tapering off over time

Suggests a gradual decrease to a point.

becoming abridged

Implies shortening, usually in reference to a written work or text.

FAQs

What does "getting progressively shorter" mean?

The phrase "getting progressively shorter" means something is decreasing in length or duration over time. The decrease happens gradually.

What can I say instead of "getting progressively shorter"?

You can use alternatives like "becoming gradually shorter", "decreasing in length over time", or "reducing in duration incrementally" depending on the context.

Is "getting progressively shorter" formal or informal?

The phrase "getting progressively shorter" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal writing might benefit from alternatives such as "decreasing in length over time".

How can I use "getting progressively shorter" in a sentence?

You can use "getting progressively shorter" in sentences like "The days are getting progressively shorter as winter approaches" or "The musical movements were getting progressively shorter as the concerto progressed."