gradual evolution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradual evolution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slow and progressive change or development over time in various contexts, such as biology, technology, or social change. Example: "The gradual evolution of technology has transformed the way we communicate and access information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we do believe in a gradual evolution".

The New York Times

But gradual evolution may amount to large differences over time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The air smelt "funky", hence the gradual evolution into the Funk Zone.

The Guardian - Travel

Transition reflects revived hope, that of 'going beyond' a gradual evolution leading to a new situation".

The Guardian

He began his answer by describing his gradual evolution on matters of social equality.

The New York Times - Magazine

There has been a gradual evolution in the pitchers' basic strategy of combating hitters.

The New York Times - Sports

"What I respected about Hillary was you could see a gradual evolution," Gist said.

The New Yorker

Most scientists believe we achieved our intellectual status through gradual evolution.

The Guardian - Tech

Despite the general philosophy of continuity and gradual evolution at Mercedes, there are occasional leaps forward, Mr. Wagener said.

The New York Times

One can then search for fossil evidence of such developments, looking for transitional fossils that demonstrate gradual evolution.

The New Yorker

Mr. Ross said on Tuesday he was preparing for a "gradual evolution" at the firm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the speed of change, use "gradual evolution" to convey a slow and steady process, particularly in fields like biology, technology, or social sciences where subtle shifts occur over time. Using this phrase suggests a measured and continuous transformation rather than an abrupt one.

Common error

Avoid using "gradual evolution" when describing sudden or revolutionary changes. "Gradual evolution" implies a slow, continuous process, whereas a revolution signifies a rapid, transformative shift. For the latter, use terms like "revolution", "sudden shift", or "rapid change" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradual evolution" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a process of slow, continuous change. Ludwig shows its use in diverse contexts like technological advancements and species development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gradual evolution" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes a slow, continuous process of change. Ludwig provides ample evidence of its usage across diverse fields such as science, media, and policy. The term is most frequently encountered in news and media, scientific texts, and encyclopedias, suggesting its suitability for both general and academic audiences. While "gradual evolution" is considered correct and widely applicable, it's crucial to avoid using it when describing sudden or revolutionary shifts. Using alternatives like "slow development" or "progressive change" can provide nuanced variations to match the intended context more precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slow evolution

Emphasizes the pace of change.

Gradual development

Focuses on the unfolding or maturation aspect of the change.

Progressive evolution

Highlights the forward-moving and improving nature of the evolution.

Gradual shift

Indicates a change in direction or focus over time.

Steady evolution

Highlights the consistent and unwavering progression of the change.

Incremental evolution

Focuses on the step-by-step nature of the evolutionary process.

Gradual change

A more generic term for slow and steady alteration.

Gradual progression

Highlights the process of moving forward incrementally.

Gradual transformation

Indicates a change in form or appearance over a period.

Gradual advancement

Focuses on the improvement or progress aspect of the change.

FAQs

How can I use "gradual evolution" in a sentence?

You can use "gradual evolution" to describe processes that change slowly over time. For example: "The "gradual evolution of technology" has transformed daily life."

What are some alternatives to "gradual evolution"?

Alternatives include "slow development", "progressive change", or "incremental growth", depending on the specific context.

Is "gradual evolution" the same as "rapid change"?

No, "gradual evolution" describes a slow and steady transformation, whereas "rapid change" indicates a fast and often abrupt shift.

In what contexts is "gradual evolution" most appropriately used?

"Gradual evolution" is best used when discussing changes in scientific fields, historical trends, or social developments where shifts occur incrementally over extended periods. For example, the "gradual evolution of species".