gradually being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually being" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process that is occurring slowly over time, often in relation to change or development. Example: "The project is gradually being improved with each iteration based on user feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The backlog is gradually being worn down.

The Economist

I was gradually being left alone.

The Guardian - Travel

Connections to the profit-making future are gradually being forged.

The New York Times - Science

Even so, the economy was gradually being transformed.

The Guardian - Business

Older works are gradually being replaced and newer ones added.

The Guardian

Now, co-op is gradually being refined and re-thought.

The Guardian - Tech

The police force is gradually being turned into an army.

The Guardian - Books

Bodies are gradually being recovered from a river.

The Economist

Restrictions on foreign banks are gradually being eased.

The Economist

Such fissures are gradually being imported into domestic churches too.

The Economist

Onshore oil reserves around the world are gradually being depleted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gradually being" to describe processes that unfold over time, especially when emphasizing the ongoing nature of the change. For example, "The software is gradually being updated to improve user experience."

Common error

Avoid using "gradually being" in excessively passive sentences as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider active voice alternatives for a more impactful message. For instance, instead of "The problem is gradually being addressed", try "We are gradually addressing the problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually being" functions as part of a continuous passive construction, indicating that something is undergoing a process of change or development over a period of time. Ludwig examples show its use in describing changes, replacements, and improvements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gradually being" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction, particularly in news and scientific writing. As Ludwig AI states, it effectively conveys an ongoing process of change or development. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in excessively passive sentences for a more impactful writing style. By considering alternative phrases like "slowly becoming" and being mindful of context, writers can effectively use "gradually being" to describe processes that unfold over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evolving gradually

Reorders the words in the original phrase, maintaining a very high degree of semantic similarity.

slowly becoming

Emphasizes the transformation aspect of the process, focusing on the end result.

progressively turning into

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the change, suggesting a more distinct progression.

steadily evolving into

Implies a natural and continuous development, often used for organic or complex systems.

incrementally transforming

Focuses on small, measurable changes that accumulate over time.

developing bit by bit

Suggests a slow and deliberate construction or unfolding.

slowly unfolding

Emphasizes the revealing or clarifying aspect of a situation over time.

becoming little by little

Simple, direct way to convey gradual change, often used in more informal contexts.

morphing slowly into

Suggests a more dramatic or surprising transformation over time.

transitioning over time

Focuses on the process of moving from one state to another, emphasizing the duration.

FAQs

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

"Gradually being" indicates a slow, ongoing process. For example, "The old system is "gradually being replaced" with a new one" shows the replacement is happening over time, not all at once.

What are some alternatives to "gradually being"?

Alternatives include "slowly becoming", "progressively turning into", or "steadily evolving into". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "gradually being"?

Yes, "gradually being" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an action or process that is happening slowly over time. It's widely used in various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig.

What's the difference between "gradually being" and "being gradually"?

"Gradually being" emphasizes the continuous nature of the process, whereas "being gradually" is less common and might sound awkward. The phrase "gradually being" is the more natural and preferred construction.