gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process that occurs slowly over time, often implying a step-by-step progression. Example: "The temperature began to rise gradually as the sun came up over the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The shadow science minister has held the seat since 2001, but with a gradually decreasing vote each election, confounding the theory of beneficial incumbency.

The Guardian

For weeks, even months, they would refuse shampoo, resulting in hair that emitted cheap cider and bong fumes wherever they went and gradually became lanker, greasier and flatter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To our left, three softly curving peaks disappeared behind the clouds and then reappeared gradually.

The Guardian - Travel

As hip-hop is gradually assimilated into the UK festival circuit's headline slots, the next Jay-Z Snoop sadly shizn't.

The Guardian - Music

As the British empire was gradually dissolved after the second world war and its industrial base attacked by younger, nimbler economies, the cohesion of the British state weakened.

The Guardian

What does change this month is that we gradually increase the number of long distances.

The Guardian - Sport

His report is now at least five years later than anyone imagined possible and as he meandered on – "It's been very difficult" – it gradually dawned on the committee that part of the delay was down to Chilcot's inability to use one word when several thousand would do.

The Guardian

But it has refused to budge on two "red-line" demands – for pension cuts and looser rules on hiring and firing – and hopes of reaching an agreement in time for a meeting of the finance ministers on Monday have gradually seeped away.

The Guardian - Business

In the lead-up to Luke's death, Batty had been gradually decreasing the amount of contact they had with Anderson as his threats escalated and his paranoia seemed to worsen.

The Guardian - Opinion

After a frantic opening, in which only a well-timed intervention from Hugo Campagnaro prevented Carlos Tévez from putting Mirko Vucinic through on goal, Inter gradually took control of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

As the US backdrop steadily improved in the aftermath of the Fed's cash injection, the central bank gradually slowed its bond-buying programme from $85bn a month to $15bn a month.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gradually" to describe processes or changes that occur slowly and steadily, emphasizing the continuous nature of the progression. For example, "The economy gradually recovered after the recession."

Common error

Avoid using "gradually" to describe actions or changes that occur suddenly or instantaneously. "The light gradually switched on" is incorrect; use "suddenly" or "immediately" instead.

How to use

Learn how to use "gradually" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The adverb "gradually" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a slow, steady progression or change. Ludwig AI indicates that it denotes a process occurring over time. For example, "The British empire was gradually dissolved after the second world war."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gradually" is a versatile adverb used to describe processes that unfold slowly and steadily. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, primarily in news, formal business, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "little by little" and "by degrees" exist, "gradually" offers a precise and neutral tone, making it suitable for situations where a measured pace needs to be emphasized. Be mindful not to use "gradually" with sudden or instantaneous actions, ensuring accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Progressively

Highlights continuous development and forward motion. It suggests a steady advance.

By degrees

Implies a slow, measured change, similar to "gradually" but with a slightly more formal tone.

Little by little

Emphasizes a slow, incremental change. It is more informal than "gradually".

Bit by bit

Similar to "little by little", it emphasizes small, individual increments of change. More informal.

Slowly but surely

Highlights the certainty of progress despite the slow pace. It adds an element of reassurance.

Incrementally

Focuses on the increase in small amounts. More technical and less common in everyday speech.

Step by step

Suggests a methodical, sequential progression. It focuses on the individual actions rather than the overall pace.

In stages

Suggests a process broken down into discrete phases. Focuses on the structured nature of the change.

Over time

Indicates that a change happens during an extended period, lacking specific details of pace.

In due course

Implies that something will happen at the appropriate time without emphasizing speed or change rate.

FAQs

How can I use "gradually" in a sentence?

"Gradually" is used to describe a process that happens slowly over time. For instance, "The weather "gradually" improved throughout the day."

What are some alternatives to using "gradually"?

Alternatives include phrases like "little by little", "step by step", or "by degrees", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "gradually" and "progressively"?

While both indicate a change over time, ""gradually"" implies a slow and steady pace, whereas "progressively" suggests a continuous development or advancement.

Can "gradually" be used to describe something that is decreasing?

Yes, "gradually" can describe a decrease as well as an increase. For example, "The company's profits "gradually" declined over the quarter."