gradual developments

USAGE SUMMARY

"gradual developments" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe changes or progress that occur slowly over time. For example, "The gradual developments in technology have transformed our daily lives." Alternative expressions include "slow advancements" and "incremental changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

These changes are in keeping with the gradual developments in Streatham's make-up, like the 2013 re-opening of the ice rink and leisure centre at the other end of the high road; or the transformation of the old ABC cinema into a gym and luxury flats.

Vice

The dynamic nature of a scenario refers to whether a scenario is essentially based on a gradual extrapolation of trends, or whether it encompasses events, discontinuities, or even surprises which change gradual developments abruptly (Van Notten, 2005).

Environmental Science and Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Overall, these type-1 BLA neurons increased their firing rates gradually in parallel to a gradual development of anxiety-like behaviors under conditions of anxiety.

Plosone

The revision was a gradual development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Through gradual development it became primarily an honorary office.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is even possible to follow the gradual development of his ideas in this direction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If we're not careful, absurdities can occur without our realising their gradual development.

Independent

Professional clubs became limited liability companies primarily to secure land for gradual development of stadium facilities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Lowrey's gradual development of a rapport with his students is the closest the movie comes to being upbeat.

The New York Times

For example, they have gradual development and the "workers" in social shrimp species are morphologically similar to reproductive individuals.

The New York Times

However, the gradual development of other mini-clusters is already being overshadowed by something much bigger: the Internet.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with verbs like "observe", "track" or "map" to denote an analytical perspective on long-term shifts

Common error

Avoid using "gradual" alongside other adverbs that imply slowness within the same clause, such as "slowly evolving gradual developments", as this creates a tautology. Let the adjective "gradual" do the work of describing the pace

Linguistic Context

In the English language, "gradual developments" functions as a plural noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe a process that unfolds over time without sudden or abrupt interruptions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradual developments" is a highly sophisticated way to describe slow-motion progress or change across various fields, from biology to urban planning. While the singular form is more common in general usage, the plural form is particularly effective when analyzing multiple distinct trends or events that contribute to a larger evolution. Ludwig AI reveals that the phrase is most prevalent in authoritative sources like Encyclopedia Britannica and The New York Times, highlighting its utility in formal and analytical writing. Writers should use it when they want to emphasize the steady, non-abrupt nature of a transition. Overall, it serves as a precise tool for anyone needing to document complexity that emerges over a long period rather than in a single moment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradual development

Singular form focusing on a single stream of progress

slow advancements

Emphasizes the speed and forward-moving nature of the changes

incremental changes

Focuses on the step-by-step nature of the transitions

steady progress

Highlights the consistency of the developments over time

protracted transitions

Implies a longer and perhaps more drawn-out period of change

systemic maturation

More technical term often used in biological or organizational contexts

evolutionary developments

Suggests change through natural or organic progression

sequential steps

Focuses on the order and phases of the process

measured growth

Implies controlled and deliberate advancement

piecemeal improvements

Suggests that developments occur in small and sometimes disjointed parts

FAQs

How do I use "gradual developments" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe ongoing changes, for example: "The "gradual developments" in the regional climate have forced local farmers to adapt their techniques".

What is the difference between "gradual developments" and "incremental changes"?

While both imply slowness, "incremental changes" often suggests a series of small, discrete steps, whereas "gradual developments" feels more continuous and organic.

Can I say "slow progress" instead of "gradual developments"?

Yes, "slow progress" is a common and idiomatic alternative that fits most general contexts.

Is it better to use the singular or plural form?

Use the singular "gradual development" if you are referring to one specific process, and use the plural "gradual developments" if you are discussing multiple facets or events.