gradual

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'gradual' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that changes or develops slowly over a certain period of time. Example sentence: The decline of the economy was gradual over the past 5 years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The greatest change in the post-Victoria era, of course, has been not aesthetic, but the gradual acceptance of cremation (first proposed by a few radical thinkers in the late 19th century).

The Guardian

When he spells it out, what he is talking about is a small and gradual real-term fall in prices to make property more affordable over time, the end of boom and bust in the property market.

The Guardian - Business

We are taking it a day at a time and we are progressing with our gradual operational plan.

The Guardian

The rest of the Square Mile has witnessed the gradual erosion of the public realm as the corporation gave the go-ahead to the patchwork of private estates which have taken over since the 1980s.

The Guardian - Opinion

A subsequent afternoon meeting between newspaper representatives and front benchers from all three main parties updated politicians on the morning meeting and the gradual progress being made on creating a successor to the PCC.

The Guardian

While the transition to smart grids will be a gradual process, many argue it is also an inevitable one.

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

It has a gradual decline before a gradual incline, and the porters need to make use of the first to manage the latter.

The Guardian

Whether it's intentional or accidental, its gradual unbundling is not in the best interests of the people of the United Kingdom or any part of it.' Oh, a warning to those who might mistake Mr Ancram's amiable, consensual approach for a lack of low political cunning.

The Guardian

Nick Clegg said he doesn't see the gradual move to the left as a long-term trend that will result in an eventual Labour victory in the area.

The Guardian

Letwin told Thatcher: "You have an apparent dilemma: a sudden move to residence charges in England and Wales is too dangerous; but a gradual transition via a mixed tax is unattractive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "gradual" with specific metrics or timeframes to add precision. For instance, "a gradual increase of 5% per year" provides more clarity than just "a gradual increase".

Common error

Avoid using "gradual" when you mean "continual". "Gradual" implies a slow, progressive change, while "continual" simply means happening repeatedly or without interruption, regardless of the pace.

Linguistic Context

The word "gradual" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a process or change that occurs slowly and steadily. Ludwig AI affirms this, providing examples where "gradual" describes nouns such as "acceptance", "decline", or "transition".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "gradual" describes something that happens slowly and steadily over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage and widespread applicability. It appears "very common" across various contexts like News & Media, Business, and Science. When using "gradual", it's important to convey the pace of change accurately and avoid confusion with similar terms like "continual". Related terms include "progressive", "incremental", and "step by step", which can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressive

Indicates a forward movement or advancement, implying a gradual development.

incremental

Emphasizes small, successive additions or changes.

step-by-step

Highlights a process that proceeds in a series of stages.

measured

Suggests a controlled and deliberate pace of change.

unhurried

Conveys the lack of rush or urgency in the process.

slow and steady

Emphasizes both the lack of speed and the consistency of progress.

piecemeal

Suggests that something is done or achieved one small part at a time

evolving

Focuses on the continuous development and unfolding of something over time.

successive

Refers to things following one after the other in a gradual manner.

continuous

Highlights the unbroken and ongoing nature of the process.

FAQs

How can I use "gradual" in a sentence?

You can use "gradual" to describe processes that happen slowly over time. For example, "There was a gradual improvement in her health after the surgery".

What's the difference between "gradual" and "sudden"?

"Gradual" indicates a slow and progressive change, while "sudden" implies an abrupt and immediate change. They are antonyms.

Which is correct: "gradual increase" or "gradually increase"?

"Gradual increase" uses "gradual" as an adjective to describe the noun "increase". "Gradually increase" uses "gradually" as an adverb to modify a verb, such as "We will "gradually increase" the price".

What can I say instead of "gradual"?

You can use alternatives like "progressive", "incremental", or "step by step" depending on the specific context.