gradually figured out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually figured out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process of slowly understanding or discovering something over time. Example: "After weeks of experimentation, I gradually figured out how to solve the complex equation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Jake also gradually figured out that adding additional product lines would increase the total take, with the result that his lemonade stands run also often featured popcorn and cupcakes.

The Guardian - Money

Ann Flagler, a soft-spoken, tart-humored horticulturist, has been pestered by deer ever since she moved to a lakeside house in Sparta two decades ago and has gradually figured out what to grow and what to avoid.. "Tulips, forget about it," she said.

The New York Times

Its U.S. counterpart Twitter has gradually figured out a strategy to make money, but Weibo has said it faces additional challenges like censorship by the Chinese government.

TechCrunch

We gradually figured out that first seat belts and now auto braking technology make driving safer.

Huffington Post

While Liz gradually figured out Jack's dastardly plan, she also had to deal with throwing a last-second bachelorette party for a crazed Jenna (Jane Krakowski).

The New York Times

But the thing is, nobody had trained us!" The blood didn't bother her, and she gradually figured out the procedural stuff.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Remy and the reader gradually figure out what he has been up to during his memory lapses.

The New York Times - Books

The gardens, Gwen gradually figures out, were probably the work of one of the men employed on the estate before World War I, who never returned from France.

The New York Times - Books

One striking possibility is that people are gradually figuring out what academic happiness researchers like Daniel Gilbert already know: Having kids makes people less happy.

The Economist

Ms. Hall's style is leisurely; it feels as if she places characters together, sets them talking and gradually figures out what they want to do next — or sometimes forces them abruptly into a new situation.

The New York Times

Instead, we should allow our children to thumb through "The Joy of Sex," which is explicit about the variety of experience but not judgmental, and acknowledge to our teens that sex is a human mystery that we all experience differently and gradually figure out for ourselves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gradually figured out" to describe a situation where understanding or a solution emerges slowly over time, often through observation, experimentation, or learning. This emphasizes the process rather than a sudden realization.

Common error

Refrain from using "gradually figured out" when the understanding is immediate or easily attained. Opt for simpler terms like "realized" or "understood" when the situation doesn't involve a drawn-out process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually figured out" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of progressive understanding. It describes how someone comes to a conclusion or solution over a period of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gradually figured out" is a versatile phrase used to describe a slow, progressive understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. It signifies a process of iterative learning, where understanding unfolds incrementally over time. While common, it's essential to avoid overusing it in simple situations where understanding is immediate. Alternatives like "eventually realized" or "progressively discerned" can provide nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slowly figured out

Direct synonym focusing on the pace of understanding as unhurried.

ultimately figured out

Emphasizes the finality of understanding after a period of uncertainty.

eventually figured out

Similar to "ultimately figured out", emphasizing the eventual achievement of understanding.

largely figured out

Highlights that most aspects have been understood, but some details may remain unclear.

progressively understood

Highlights the continuous and incremental nature of gaining understanding.

little figured out

Focuses on the amount of understanding achieved being small or incremental.

gradually find out

Shifts the focus to the process of finding information rather than the result of understanding.

later figured out

Stresses that the understanding came at a subsequent time.

soon figured out

Indicates a quick discovery or understanding.

ever figured out

Questions if understanding was achieved at any point.

FAQs

How can I use "gradually figured out" in a sentence?

You can use "gradually figured out" to describe a slow process of understanding. For example, "After many trials, she "gradually figured out" the solution to the puzzle."

What are some alternatives to "gradually figured out"?

Alternatives include "slowly came to understand", "eventually realized", or "progressively discerned", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "gradually figured out" or "immediately understood"?

The choice depends on the context. "Gradually figured out" implies a process over time, while "immediately understood" suggests a quick comprehension.

What's the difference between "gradually figured out" and "slowly discovered"?

While similar, "gradually figured out" emphasizes a cognitive understanding, while "slowly discovered" might refer to uncovering new information or facts.