gradually improved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually improved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of enhancement or progress that occurs over time, rather than all at once. Example: "Over the course of the year, the team's performance gradually improved, leading to better results in the final quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bertoni's results have gradually improved.

The New York Times - Magazine

He has gradually improved to 40percentt.

The New York Times - Sports

Tinkering, experimentation, and teamwork gradually improved matters.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But at Community Prep, Rasheem's behavior gradually improved.

The New York Times

Over the passing weeks, the relationship gradually improved.

The New York Times

Various refinements gradually improved the reciprocating steam locomotive.

Britannica

Graham's condition gradually improved with psychotherapy and drug treatment.

Independent

He's gradually improved as a pocket passer each year.

The New York Times

Relations with Britain were gradually improved; but with the US they steadily deteriorated.

The Guardian

For the last several years, the labor market has gradually improved while inflation has been sluggish.

The New York Times

Kadar has gradually improved conditions in his nation, and the hatred has given way to respect.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gradually improved", ensure the context clearly indicates a process unfolding over time, rather than an immediate change. This helps maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "gradually improved" to describe actions that happen instantaneously. This creates a contradiction and weakens the impact of your message. For example, don't say "The light gradually improved when the switch was flipped"; instead, use "immediately brightened."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually improved" functions as a verb phrase where the adverb "gradually" modifies the verb "improved". This indicates a process of change or enhancement occurring over a period, rather than instantaneously. Ludwig provides many examples of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradually improved" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a situation or condition that has gotten better over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "steadily advanced" or "progressively enhanced" exist, it's important to avoid misusing it with instantaneous actions. Using "gradually improved" effectively requires an understanding of the nuances of time and process, ensuring clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressively enhanced

Emphasizes the continuous and incremental nature of the improvement.

steadily advanced

Suggests a consistent and unwavering forward movement in quality or condition.

slowly got better

Uses simpler language to express the same idea of improvement over time.

incrementally developed

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the development or improvement.

moderately ameliorated

Implies a lessening of negative aspects or issues, resulting in improvement.

grew better over time

Focuses on the passage of time as a key factor in the improvement process.

demonstrated gradual betterment

More formal, highlighting visible evidence of improvement.

enhanced in stages

Highlights that the improvement process occurred through different phases.

meliorated bit by bit

Stresses the slowness and small increments of betterment.

improved by degrees

Focuses on the small increments in the improvement over a period.

FAQs

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

Use "gradually improved" to describe a situation, skill, or condition that gets better slowly over time. For instance, "Her piano skills "gradually improved" with consistent practice".

What are some alternatives to "gradually improved"?

Alternatives include "steadily advanced", "progressively enhanced", or "slowly got better", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "improved gradually" instead of "gradually improved"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "gradually improved" is generally preferred as the adverb "gradually" modifies the verb "improved" more directly. "Improved gradually" is less common but still acceptable.

What's the difference between "gradually improved" and "suddenly improved"?

"Gradually improved" indicates a slow, incremental change for example "His health "gradually improved" after months of treatment", while "suddenly improved" implies a rapid and immediate change for example "Her mood suddenly improved after she received the good news".