gradual improvement

USAGE SUMMARY

"gradual improvement" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is slowly becoming better over time. For example: "I can see a gradual improvement in her math skills since she started tutoring."

✓ Grammatically correct

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The New York Times

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also, the psychological function improved with the gradual improvement in the physiological function.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

We're seeing a gradual improvement in our economy.

The New York Times

Mr. Mulally said Ford expects the American economy to begin a gradual improvement in 2010.

The New York Times

Still, the gradual improvement in training has taken place alongside broader developments.

The Guardian

[B1.] GRADUAL IMPROVEMENT Signs of easing in the credit market are emerging.

The New York Times

The administration projected a gradual improvement in the fiscal outlook over the rest of the decade.

The New York Times

The story of Australia's performances is not a grand narrative, but a tale of gradual improvement.

The Guardian - Sport

Before the earthquake, Haiti had seen a steady, if gradual, improvement in its fortunes.

The Guardian - Opinion

I always try to be conscious about that kind of gradual improvement.

The New Yorker

We have recently seen a gradual improvement in sales performance, despite a lower level of promotional activity.

The Guardian - Business

We cannot hide our worry lines in this respect but we remain cautiously optimistic that gradual improvement can come through.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gradual improvement", consider quantifying the improvement if possible. For instance, instead of just saying "there's gradual improvement", specify "a gradual improvement of 10% month-over-month".

Common error

Avoid using "gradual improvement" when describing rapid changes. The term implies a slow, steady process, not a sudden or dramatic shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradual improvement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a process of positive change that occurs slowly and steadily over time, as supported by Ludwig's examples showcasing its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gradual improvement" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that signifies a slow but steady process of positive change. According to Ludwig, it functions to describe incremental developments across diverse fields like health, economics, and personal growth. While its formality is neutral, it's crucial to avoid using it when referring to rapid or sudden changes. Remember to quantify the improvement when possible to make it more impactful. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for a broad range of writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steady progress

Emphasizes consistent forward movement, rather than the rate of change.

incremental advancement

Highlights small steps of progress, focusing on the accumulation of gains.

progressive development

Focuses on the unfolding and evolving nature of the improvement.

step-by-step progress

Underscores the methodical nature of the improvement process.

slow but sure progress

Combines the idea of slow pace with the certainty of advancement.

measured enhancement

Suggests a controlled and deliberate approach to making things better.

continuous betterment

Implies an ongoing and uninterrupted process of improvement.

evolving refinement

Highlights the gradual and iterative nature of making something more polished.

inching forward

Emphasizes very small increments of progress.

slow but steady climb

Combines the concepts of slow speed with unwavering direction.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "gradual improvement" in a sentence?

Use "gradual improvement" to describe a slow but consistent positive change over time. For example, "The patient showed "gradual improvement" in their condition after weeks of therapy."

What are some alternatives to "gradual improvement"?

You can use alternatives like "steady progress", "incremental advancement", or "progressive development" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "gradual improvement" or "sudden improvement"?

The choice depends on the nature of the change. Use ""gradual improvement"" for slow and consistent progress, and "sudden improvement" for rapid, unexpected positive change.

What's the difference between "gradual improvement" and "steady improvement"?

"Gradual improvement" emphasizes the slow pace of the change, while "steady improvement" highlights the consistent and reliable nature of the progress. They are often interchangeable, but "steady" focuses more on reliability.