gradual process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradual process" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that changes slowly and over time. For example, "The students' understanding of the material developed in a gradual process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a gradual process.

The Guardian

It is a gradual process, he said.

The New York Times

"But it was just this gradual process.

The New Yorker

"It was just a slow, gradual process.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is part of a gradual process".

The New York Times

"I think it's been a gradual process.

The Guardian

"It's a gradual process," she said.

The New York Times

It will be a gradual process".

The Guardian

"It's still a gradual process," she added.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a gradual process at the firm, he added.

The New York Times

I think it was a fairly gradual process.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a transformation or change, use "gradual process" to emphasize that it doesn't happen suddenly, but over a period of time. This helps manage expectations and provides a realistic view of the situation.

Common error

Avoid pairing "gradual process" with adverbs that suggest immediacy or suddenness, such as "quickly" or "immediately". This creates a contradiction and undermines the intended meaning of gradual change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradual process" functions as a noun phrase, where "gradual" modifies the noun "process". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradual process" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term that describes a change or development occurring slowly over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and general discussions. When using "gradual process", it's important to avoid contradicting its meaning by pairing it with adverbs suggesting immediacy. Alternatives such as "step-by-step approach" or "phased implementation" can be used depending on the specific context. Overall, "gradual process" is a versatile and effective way to convey the idea of slow and incremental change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step-by-step approach

Emphasizes the incremental nature of the process.

phased implementation

Highlights the planned stages of the process.

incremental development

Focuses on the growth and progression aspect.

progressive unfolding

Suggests a natural and steady revelation.

evolving sequence

Implies a series of changes over time.

successive stages

Highlights the distinct phases of the process.

orderly progression

Stresses the structured and systematic nature.

measured advancement

Emphasizes the careful and deliberate pace.

continuous evolution

Focuses on the ongoing and uninterrupted nature of the change.

systematic unfolding

Implies a planned and methodical process of revelation or development.

FAQs

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

You can use "gradual process" to describe a change or development that occurs slowly over time. For example, "Learning a new language is a "gradual process"" or "The healing was a "gradual process"".

What are some alternatives to "gradual process"?

Alternatives include "step-by-step approach", "phased implementation", or "incremental development", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gradual process" redundant since a process is already implied to happen over time?

While "process" inherently implies duration, "gradual process" emphasizes the slow and incremental nature of the change, highlighting that it doesn't occur suddenly or abruptly. It provides additional clarity and emphasis.

What's the difference between a "gradual process" and a "rapid process"?

A "gradual process" signifies a slow, incremental change over time, whereas a "rapid process" indicates a fast or accelerated change occurring in a shorter timeframe. The key difference is the speed and duration of the change.