gradually advance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually advance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of moving forward or making progress in a slow and steady manner. Example: "The team decided to gradually advance the project timeline to ensure all aspects were thoroughly considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This shall revitalize their technological innovation and gradually advance by building the infrastructure needed for competitive economic growth.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

O'Keefe and Recce [1] reported an interesting relationship between place cell firing and LFP theta; phases of place cell firing to LFP theta gradually advance as the rat passes through the place field.

Plosone

Because of the better environment for collaboration among diverse professions, the personal skills of the doctors can gradually advance.

BMC Family Practice

The second phase of bedtime fading is to gradually advance the bedtime hour until the child gets enough sleep.

BMC Psychiatry

We propose that in young flies, strong output from the morning oscillator sets the evening peak to occur at a 180° angle; in aged flies, weakened output from the morning oscillator relaxes the phase restraint on the evening oscillator, thus allowing the evening activity peak to gradually advance into the territory of the morning oscillator.

Aging Cell

Consider taking an entry-level position to start in order to gain valuable experience and you will gradually advance toward higher level positions with more responsibility.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This front gradually advances until the whole waste mass has been stabilized.

Process Safety and Environmental Protection

He was a low draft pick, 28th round, but persevered and gradually advanced through the minor leagues, steadily producing runs.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're looking at a process that has been gradually advancing since 2011 or so," El-Ad told the Guardian.

The Guardian

The hydrogen molecule gradually advanced to occupy the empty small cage of trimethylamine hydrate in proportion to pressure increase.

Chemical Engineering Science

The same was true of the only drum solo in the set, which gradually advanced from contemplative to furious, with Mr. Haynes using felt-tipped mallets throughout.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gradually advance", consider the context to ensure that the gradual nature of the progress is relevant and adds value to the description. For instance, use it when describing long-term strategies or slowly evolving processes.

Common error

Avoid using "gradually advance" when the progress is actually rapid or significant. It's more suitable for situations where the advancement is genuinely slow and incremental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually advance" functions as a verb phrase, describing a manner of progression. It indicates that something is moving forward or developing at a slow, consistent pace. Ludwig shows it's often used in scientific and professional contexts to describe processes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradually advance" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes slow and steady progress. Ludwig confirms this with various real-world examples across diverse domains, including science, news, and general knowledge. While not as common as simpler alternatives, "gradually advance" is particularly effective when the pace of advancement is a key aspect of the message. Understanding its usage and context, as summarized from the analysis above, ensures its accurate application. The analysis indicated that the phrase carries a neutral to formal register and emphasizing methodical progression. As Ludwig AI states, it's suitable when highlighting long-term strategies or processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance step by step

Underscores the methodical and deliberate nature of the advancement.

progress incrementally

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the progress.

develop by degrees

Emphasizes the gradual and measured nature of the development, occurring in small increments.

develop steadily

Highlights the consistent and stable nature of the development.

incrementally improve

Highlights the small, measurable improvements that accumulate over time.

evolve slowly

Focuses on the evolutionary aspect of the advancement, suggesting a natural and unhurried process.

unfold gradually

Suggests a process of revelation or development that occurs slowly and naturally.

move forward in stages

Stresses the phased approach to making progress.

slowly gain ground

Implies a gradual increase in influence or success.

gain momentum steadily

Focuses on the consistent increase in force or speed of the advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "gradually advance" in a sentence?

You can use "gradually advance" to describe a process that makes slow and steady progress over time. For example, "The company decided to "expand gradually" into new markets to minimize risk."

What are some alternatives to "gradually advance"?

Some alternatives include "progress incrementally", "develop steadily", or "evolve slowly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "gradually advance"?

While "advance" implies forward movement, "gradually" emphasizes the pace. Using both isn't necessarily redundant if you want to highlight the slow and steady nature of the progression.

What is the difference between "gradually advance" and "rapidly advance"?

"Gradually advance" suggests slow, incremental progress, whereas "rapidly advance" indicates quick and significant progress. The choice depends on the actual speed of the advancement.