great strides

USAGE SUMMARY

"great strides" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a significant amount of progress made in a short amount of time; usually in relation to a goal or specific task. For example, "We have made great strides in developing the new technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's making great strides.

Independent

We've made great strides.

The New York Times

"We made great strides yesterday.

The Guardian

And all four have made great strides.

The New York Times

I made great strides today".

The New York Times - Sports

"The district has made great strides".

The New York Times

Mr. Mölich-Zebhauser has made great strides.

The New York Times - Arts

I've made a lot of great strides.

The New York Times - Sports

Stephon Marbury made great strides last season.

The New York Times - Sports

It has made some great strides".

The New York Times

No. Have they made great strides?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great strides", ensure that the context clearly indicates the area in which progress has been made. For instance, specify "great strides in cancer research" rather than just "great strides."

Common error

Avoid using "great strides" when the progress is incremental or minor. This phrase implies significant advancement, so ensure the situation warrants such a description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great strides" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of verbs like "make" or "take". It indicates a significant degree of progress, as confirmed by Ludwig and seen in examples such as "We've made great strides in fighting racism and sexism."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great strides" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe significant progress or advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to science and encyclopedias. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is often used with verbs such as "make" or "take". While it is versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context warrants its usage, avoiding overstatement when progress is only incremental. Related phrases include "significant advancements" and "considerable progress", which offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant advancements

Focuses on advancements made, emphasizing the result of the progress rather than the effort.

considerable progress

Highlights the extent of the progress, suggesting a noticeable and substantial improvement.

notable headway

Emphasizes the forward movement and the degree to which obstacles have been overcome.

marked improvement

Highlights the fact that there is a clear change for the better.

substantial gains

Focuses on the positive outcomes and benefits achieved through the progress.

rapid development

Emphasizes speed and quick advancement.

major breakthrough

Suggests a sudden and significant discovery or advancement, implying a turning point.

remarkable evolution

Emphasizes a gradual process of change and development, highlighting the transformation over time.

momentous leap

Suggests a sudden and significant advancement, often in a positive direction.

giant leap forward

Emphasizes the magnitude and impact of the progress, suggesting a significant step towards a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "great strides" in a sentence?

You can use "great strides" to describe significant progress or advancement in a particular area. For instance, "The company has made "great strides" in reducing its carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "great strides"?

Some alternatives to "great strides" include "significant advancements", "considerable progress", and "notable headway" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "great strides" in formal writing?

Yes, "great strides" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in contexts where you want to emphasize significant progress or achievements. It's commonly found in news, business, and academic writing.

What's the difference between "great strides" and "minor improvements"?

"Great strides" implies a substantial and noticeable advancement, whereas "minor improvements" suggests small, incremental changes. Using "great strides" when only small changes have occurred would be an overstatement.