gradual steps

USAGE SUMMARY

'gradual steps' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a process as a series of incremental steps or changes. For example: "The company is taking gradual steps to improve its customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He takes gradual steps.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We're all about taking those gradual steps," Nick Jonas said.

The New York Times - Arts

These are gradual steps, but they are the building blocks for a real humanitarian response.

The New York Times

The former security chiefs also said that peace plans calling for gradual steps were likely to fail.

The New York Times

Senior administration officials said they would take gradual steps to avoid harming the already struggling housing market.

The Washington Post

He eased in by gradual steps, first as premier, then as president, and finally, with Mussolini cheering him on, as King.

The New Yorker

Psychologist Brent Roberts has shown that the trait conscientiousness takes gradual steps up throughout the lifetime – including a considerable jump between 45 and 55.

The Guardian

Eager chronicles the gradual steps to comprehending the charm's powers, such as magicking the cat into petulant half-speech ("Idlwidl bixbax. Grompaw. Fooz!").

The Guardian - Books

The SA outlines a series of gradual steps towards military withdrawal, analogous to a father teaching his kid to ride a bike without training wheels.

The New York Times

Thus, the story of "convergence" between energy and environmental goals is one of gradual steps rather than great leaps--of interest-based compatibility rather than love-struck merger.

Harvard University

Beginning to understand your grieving experience, and taking gradual steps to address your pain and loss, can be important and integral components of recovering from your grief.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process that requires patience and a step-by-step approach, use "gradual steps" to emphasize the importance of incremental progress. For example, "Achieving fluency in a new language requires taking gradual steps, focusing on vocabulary and grammar before moving to more complex conversations".

Common error

Avoid using "gradual steps" as an excuse for stagnation. While incremental progress is important, ensure that these steps are still active and contributing to a tangible goal. Don't let "gradual steps" become a synonym for doing nothing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradual steps" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing a process of incremental progression, for instance, "taking gradual steps to improve efficiencies". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

23%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gradual steps" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe a process of incremental progress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for describing situations where a step-by-step approach is valued. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. While alternatives like "incremental steps" and "steady progress" exist, "gradual steps" effectively conveys the idea of slow, measured advancement. Remember to avoid using it as an excuse for inaction, and ensure that these gradual steps actively contribute to the intended outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incremental steps

Direct synonym emphasizing the small, additive nature of the progression.

slow steps

Synonym that emphasizes the slowness of the progression.

gradual increases

Focuses specifically on growth or augmentation, whereas "gradual steps" can apply to any type of progression.

steady steps

Indicates consistent and reliable progress, adding an element of dependability not necessarily present in "gradual steps".

gradual improvements

Highlights the betterment aspect of the progress, suggesting positive change over time, unlike neutral "gradual steps".

smooth steps

Emphasizes the ease and lack of disruption in the progression, differing from "gradual steps" which simply focuses on the pace.

successive steps

Focuses on the sequential and orderly nature of the progression, implying a clear order of events.

gradual stages

Emphasizes distinct phases within the overall progression, unlike the continuous feel of "gradual steps".

evolutionary steps

Highlights the transformative nature of the progress, suggesting development and change over time, unlike the neutral "gradual steps".

gradual interventions

Focuses on deliberate actions taken to influence a process, different from the general concept of "gradual steps".

FAQs

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

Use "gradual steps" to describe a process that unfolds incrementally. For example, "The company is taking gradual steps to reduce its carbon footprint".

What's a good alternative to "gradual steps"?

Alternatives to "gradual steps" include "incremental steps", "steady progress", or "step-by-step approach", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to take "gradual steps" or make sudden changes?

Whether to take "gradual steps" or make sudden changes depends on the situation. "Gradual steps" are often preferred for complex or sensitive changes, allowing for adjustments and minimizing disruption. Sudden changes might be necessary in crisis situations.

What does it mean to take "gradual steps"?

Taking "gradual steps" means making progress through a series of small, incremental actions rather than attempting a large, abrupt change. This approach is often used when implementing long-term strategies or dealing with sensitive issues.