gradually improving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually improving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of steady enhancement or progress over time in various contexts, such as personal development, skills, or performance. Example: "After several months of practice, her piano skills are gradually improving, and she feels more confident in her playing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are gradually improving.

The Guardian - Sport

This is gradually improving margins.

Independent

The Browns have a gradually improving offense.

The New York Times

Relations have been gradually improving since then.

The New York Times

The rash isnʼt gradually improving after a few days.

The Washington Post

But, she added, "the situation is gradually improving".

The New York Times

He's now undergoing therapy and his condition is gradually improving.

Independent

Twitter has been gradually improving its direct messaging feature.

Independent

Most of the immigrants interviewed agreed that conditions in Russia were gradually improving.

The New York Times

She lost seven straight bouts in the fencing before gradually, very gradually, improving her standing.

The Guardian - Sport

UK retailers still face significant challenges, but the outlook is gradually improving".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gradually improving" to describe situations where progress is evident but not rapid. It's suitable when highlighting consistent positive change over time, emphasizing that the improvement is a process.

Common error

Avoid using "gradually improving" when describing sudden or instantaneous changes. This phrase is best suited for processes that evolve consistently over a period, not for immediate transformations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually improving" functions as a modifier, specifically as a present participle phrase acting adjectivally. It describes the manner in which something is improving, emphasizing the slow and consistent nature of the progress. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples where the phrase modifies nouns such as "health", "economy", and "skills".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gradually improving" is a versatile phrase used to describe steady progress over time. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, especially in news, science, and business. While "gradually improving" is considered correct, remember it's best applied to situations where change is continuous and not sudden. Be mindful of alternative phrases like "steadily advancing" for subtle shifts in emphasis. Using "gradually improving" helps convey measured optimism, making it a useful addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually advancing

Similar to "gradually improving" but emphasizes movement or progress rather than overall quality.

steadily advancing

Focuses on continuous movement forward, implying consistent progress.

progressively developing

Implies a step-by-step advancement, with each step building upon the previous one.

slowly but surely advancing

Highlights both the slow pace and the certainty of progress, adding a sense of reassurance.

slowly progressing

Highlights the lack of speed in the advancement, emphasizing a more deliberate pace.

incrementally getting better

Emphasizes the small, measurable improvements being made over time.

systematically enhancing

Indicates a methodical, planned approach to improvement, ensuring all aspects are addressed.

continuously evolving

Stresses an ongoing process of change and adaptation, with improvement as a natural consequence.

stepwise enhancing

Focuses on distinct stages of improvement, indicating a structured approach to advancement.

bit by bit ameliorating

Indicates a gradual reduction of negative aspects, focusing on alleviation of issues.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "gradually improving" in a sentence?

Use "gradually improving" to illustrate steady progress over time. For example, "The patient's health is "gradually improving" with the new treatment" shows continuous, albeit slow, advancement.

What are some alternatives to "gradually improving"?

You can use alternatives such as "steadily advancing", "slowly progressing", or "progressively developing" to convey a similar meaning with slight nuances.

Is it better to say "gradually improving" or "improving gradually"?

Both "gradually improving" and "improving gradually" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice often depends on the sentence structure and desired emphasis. "Gradually improving" places more emphasis on the gradual nature of the improvement.

What's the difference between "gradually improving" and "slightly improving"?

"Gradually improving" suggests a consistent and continuous positive change over time, while "slightly improving" implies a small degree of improvement, possibly not sustained. The first suggests a trend; the second, a marginal shift.