gradually modified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually modified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of change that occurs slowly over time, often in contexts related to development, improvement, or adaptation. Example: "The software was gradually modified to enhance its performance and user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

This state of affairs was gradually modified for several reasons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He never attained entire independence of Luther, though he gradually modified some of his positions.

Britannica

Thereafter, V2O5 crystal lattice is gradually modified as electroreduction proceeds.

Electrochimica Acta

Too many stoves start out as marvels of efficiency, they said, and are gradually modified into obsolescence.

The New Yorker

At this time, sentence structures were being gradually modified, but many remained untidy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But over the years he gradually modified his views until they matched, for the most part, the official version.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

It would gradually modify the estate tax downward for several years but not repeal it until 2011.

The New York Times

Since Trump's inauguration on Jan . 20 there has been the hope that the administration would gradually modify its policy approach and that the "adults" would gradually assert themselves.

The Washington Post

Should we be gradually modifying Social Security and Medicare — raising eligibility ages, reducing benefits for wealthier elderly — to take pressure off the rest of the budget?

The Washington Post

The aim is to gradually modify the orbit of the target by constantly exerting on it a magnetic force.

Advances in Space Research

Thermal annealing in inert atmosphere at increasing temperature and time gradually modifies their structure at short and long range.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process that changes slowly, use "gradually modified" to emphasize the incremental nature of the change. This is especially useful in technical or scientific writing where precision is important.

Common error

While "gradually modified" is correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "slowly changed" or "adjusted over time" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually modified" functions as a verb phrase, where 'gradually' acts as an adverb modifying the verb 'modified'. According to Ludwig, this combination effectively describes a process of incremental change over time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradually modified" is a useful tool for expressing incremental change across a range of contexts. As Ludwig AI explains, its grammatical function is straightforward, with 'gradually' acting as an adverb modifying the verb 'modified'. While it is deemed grammatically correct and commonly used, its formality makes it more suitable for scientific, academic, and professional writing. For more casual communication, consider simpler alternatives. Remember to be mindful of the audience and the specific type of change you want to describe. Ludwig's analysis highlights that "gradually modified" is most frequently found in scientific and news-related content, reflecting its role in describing measured and deliberate transformations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slowly altered

Focuses on the resulting state after a slow change, rather than the process itself.

Progressively adjusted

Emphasizes continuous adaptation and fine-tuning during the change.

Incrementally changed

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the modification process.

Steadily transformed

Suggests a more significant and impactful change happening at a consistent pace.

Evolved over time

Implies a natural development or adaptation, often spanning a considerable period.

Developed gradually

Emphasizes the process of growth and maturation through slow changes.

Adapted bit by bit

Conveys a sense of piecemeal adjustments leading to an overall change.

Underwent gradual alteration

Formal and passive construction, highlighting that something experienced a slow change.

Shifted imperceptibly

Highlights the subtlety of the change, making it difficult to notice in real-time.

Changed little by little

Emphasizes small, almost unnoticeable changes accumulating over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "gradually modified" to describe something that changes slowly over time. For example, "The software was "gradually modified" to improve its performance."

What are some alternatives to "gradually modified"?

Some alternatives include "slowly altered", "progressively adjusted", or "incrementally changed". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "gradually modified" formal or informal?

"Gradually modified" leans towards the formal side. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "slowly changed" or "adjusted over time".

What's the difference between "gradually modified" and "suddenly changed"?

"Gradually modified" implies a slow, incremental change, while "suddenly changed" indicates an abrupt and immediate shift. The choice depends on the actual nature of the change being described.