gradually to improve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually to improve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process of improvement that occurs over time, often in a gradual manner. Example: "The team's performance began gradually to improve after implementing the new training program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

However, I managed gradually to improve my pieces and he got his king caught in a near mating net.

The Guardian - Sport

The Shadow app will incorporate an escalating alarm clock designed to wake sleepers gradually, to improve the ability to recall their dreams.

TechCrunch

Country surveys that include information about vaccine adverse effects will help gradually to improve the quality of these regional and sub-regional balance sheets as well.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

If your vocabulary is small, work gradually to improve in constant, small steps.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

After that, though, Mr Turk's relations with the armed forces gradually seemed to improve.

The Economist

If you stay on top of new debts, though, it should gradually begin to improve.

The New York Times

Where they had found work as undocumented crew on other vessels subsequently, they were gradually able to improve their conditions.

The Guardian

Thus, fresh water sources are being gradually diversified to improve the reliability and resilience of the systems.

Science of The Total Environment

Inspired by the advances he describes, and emboldened by the traveler's promise that in his time they have already succeeded, they gradually begin to improve the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Obviously, that corresponds with the scenario where the economy does gradually begin to improve.

Forbes

But gradually, things began to improve.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gradually to improve", ensure the context clearly indicates a process that unfolds over time, rather than an immediate change. For instance, 'The student worked hard gradually to improve his grades.'

Common error

Avoid using "gradually to improve" when describing actions with immediate results. It's inaccurate to say 'He used the new tool gradually to improve the process,' if the improvement was instantaneous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually to improve" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It typically follows a verb, indicating the intention or goal of an action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradually to improve" describes an incremental enhancement over time. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically sound and usable in diverse contexts, although it appears less frequently than other alternatives. Its function is to express a goal that is achieved step by step. It suits neutral registers and appears most frequently in news and media, scientific, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context reflects a process that unfolds over time. As Ludwig AI suggests, consider alternatives like "improve incrementally" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improve incrementally

Focuses on the step-by-step nature of the improvement.

progressively enhance

Emphasizes a continuous and steady rate of enhancement.

slowly get better

Uses simpler language to describe the improvement process.

develop steadily

Highlights a gradual and consistent pattern of development.

ameliorate bit by bit

Stresses small, individual advancements leading to overall improvement.

enhance in stages

Focuses on the phased nature of the improvement process.

advance in measured steps

Highlights the controlled and deliberate nature of the improvement.

refine over time

Suggests a process of gradual refinement and improvement as time passes.

evolve continuously

Emphasizes the ongoing and never-ending nature of the evolution and improvement.

mature steadily

Indicates a slow and consistent maturing process, resulting in improvement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "gradually to improve" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "improve incrementally", "progressively enhance", or "slowly get better" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "gradually improve" or "gradually to improve"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but the inclusion of 'to' depends on the sentence structure. "Gradually improve" is more direct, while "gradually to improve" often introduces an infinitive phrase explaining the purpose or result.

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

"Gradually improve" suggests a slow and steady enhancement, while "suddenly improve" implies a rapid and immediate change. The choice depends on the actual nature of the improvement.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "gradually to improve"?

This phrase is suitable when describing processes or situations that change slowly over time, such as skill development, market trends, or environmental conditions. It emphasizes the incremental nature of the betterment.