gradually turning into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually turning into" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slow transformation or change from one state to another over time. Example: "The caterpillar is gradually turning into a butterfly as it undergoes metamorphosis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

We are gradually turning into Americans.

The Guardian - Travel

Bosnia is gradually turning into a functioning state.

The Economist

The "militia" is gradually turning into a regular republican army.

The Guardian

The oldest unit A is characterized by a deglaciation sequence, gradually turning into brackish-water clay.

Quaternary Science Reviews

The EU is gradually turning into a series of overlapping clubs.

The Economist

It is gradually turning into the Pompeii object of the 1990s.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But his amusement gradually turned into something like dread.

The New York Times - Books

Analyzing the opportunity in depth, the project gradually turned into a business idea.

Yale University

The vessel gradually turns into scar tissue that fades from view.

Harvard University

The event, which began modestly, gradually turned into a celebrity bash.

The New Yorker

A spot of red on her abdomen gradually turns into a fetus before engulfing her entirely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gradually turning into" to describe a transformation that occurs incrementally over a period, allowing the audience to understand the slow and continuous nature of the change.

Common error

Avoid using "gradually turning into" when a more precise or definitive term is needed. For example, instead of saying "the experiment is gradually turning into a success", consider quantifying the success or using a more direct term like "succeeding" if the results clearly indicate progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually turning into" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of transformation over time. It often connects a subject with a resulting state, describing how something evolves, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gradually turning into" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a slow, incremental transformation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples of its use across different contexts. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news, science and business-related content. Consider using alternatives like "slowly transforming into" or "progressively becoming" to diversify your writing. Be mindful of contexts requiring more precise language. Overall, "gradually turning into" is a reliable phrase for conveying a process of gradual change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slowly transforming into

Emphasizes the slow pace of the transformation.

progressively becoming

Highlights the ongoing nature of the change.

steadily evolving into

Focuses on the evolutionary aspect of the change.

eventually developing into

Indicates a final state reached over time.

morphing into

Suggests a more dramatic or unexpected transformation.

growing into

Suggests a natural development over time, often used for people or organizations.

maturing into

Implies a natural or organic progression.

shifting towards

Focuses on the direction of the change rather than the complete transformation.

changing imperceptibly to

Highlights the subtle and difficult-to-notice nature of the change.

converting slowly to

Emphasizes a slow change, especially applicable when describing a change from one type of system to another

FAQs

How can I use "gradually turning into" in a sentence?

You can use "gradually turning into" to describe a process of slow transformation, such as "The caterpillar is "gradually turning into" a butterfly" or "The small stream is "gradually turning into" a river after the heavy rain."

What are some alternatives to "gradually turning into"?

Some alternatives include "slowly transforming into", "progressively becoming", or "steadily evolving into". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "gradually turning into" in formal writing?

Yes, "gradually turning into" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. The appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the piece.

What's the difference between "gradually turning into" and "suddenly becoming"?

"Gradually turning into" implies a slow, incremental change, while "suddenly becoming" suggests an immediate and abrupt transformation. The choice depends on the nature of the change you're describing.