gradually build into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually build into" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process of development or progression that occurs slowly over time. Example: "The project will gradually build into a comprehensive system that meets all our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The device of chronological interleaving makes demands on the reader, but the layers gradually build into a satisfying richness.

The Guardian - Books

Though early chapters of "On Canaan's Side" are limp in parts, the fragments of an old woman's memory gradually build into an astonishing odyssey.

The Economist

That makes them vulnerable to small unethical violations that gradually build into unfathomable actions.

Huffington Post

Giggle at first, and then you can gradually build into a sincere "belly laugh".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

There is a play on recycling that is reprised in the circularity of the film itself, which gradually builds into a shaggy-dog story.

The Guardian - Arts

Though Karen's dialogue gradually builds into typical Mametian repetitions – the word "or" occurs three times in a row in one speech, as does "in" in another – she also has light duties in the third act, when she is required for only five of the 21 pages.

The Guardian

Initial refinement was carried out with the program CNS and mutations were gradually built into the electron density, followed by further positional and isotropic B-factor refinement.

Plosone

The codes were gradually built into broader categories and through comparison across transcripts higher-level themes were developed.

BMC Health Services Research

Codes were gradually built into broader categories through comparison across transcripts and higher-level recurring themes were developed.

BMC Health Services Research

Inhibitor molecules were identified from peaks in |Fo| ‒ |Fc| maps and gradually built into the model over several rounds of refinement.

BioMed Research International

Codes were gradually built into broader categories through comparison across transcripts/field notes/documents and higher-level recurring themes were developed.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gradually build into" to describe a process where elements or stages contribute incrementally to a final result or outcome. This emphasizes a slow but continuous development.

Common error

Avoid using "gradually build into" when the development is rapid or instantaneous. The phrase is specifically for situations involving a slow, progressive change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually build into" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of incremental development or transformation. It describes how something evolves or progresses over time, as illustrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradually build into" describes a process of slow and incremental development, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is a grammatically correct verb phrase best used to emphasize a continuous progression over time. While suitable for various contexts, it's particularly common in news, media, and scientific writing. Alternatives like "slowly develop into" or "progressively evolve into" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely involves a gradual process to avoid misrepresenting the pace of change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slowly develop into

Focuses on the slowness of the development.

progressively evolve into

Emphasizes the progressive nature of the evolution.

steadily transform into

Highlights the stable and consistent transformation.

eventually culminate in

Stresses the final outcome after a period of growth.

incrementally grow into

Focuses on the small, incremental steps of growth.

bit by bit become

Emphasizes the gradual and piecemeal nature of the transformation.

mature into

Implies a natural progression towards a final state.

morph into over time

Indicates a change in form over a duration.

expand into over the course of time

Shows an increase in scale or scope over a period.

accrue to

Suggests a gradual accumulation leading to a final state.

FAQs

How can I use "gradually build into" in a sentence?

You can use "gradually build into" to describe a process where something develops or transforms slowly over time. For example, "Small acts of kindness can "gradually build into" a strong friendship."

What are some alternatives to "gradually build into"?

Some alternatives include "slowly develop into", "progressively evolve into", or "steadily transform into", depending on the specific context.

Is "gradually build into" formal or informal?

"Gradually build into" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

How does "gradually build into" differ from "suddenly become"?

"Gradually build into" implies a slow, progressive development, while "suddenly become" indicates an immediate transformation. The choice depends on whether the change is gradual or instantaneous.