growing gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "growing gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or change that occurs slowly over time. Example: "The company's profits have been growing gradually over the past few years, indicating a steady increase in market demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's an impression that has been growing gradually for a bit now.

The Guardian - Sport

I think you have to be on board with growing gradually to make it happen.

The New York Times - Arts

Seniors Network has been growing gradually over the past two years.

The Guardian - Tech

"Business has been growing gradually," said Becky Morrisson, manager of the museum shop.

The New York Times

But rather than growing gradually desensitised, every time it feels a little bit more personal.

The Guardian

Don't trust the usual story of a promising post-Haydn embryo growing gradually into Beethoven the Mighty.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Traffic grew gradually for CNN.com.

The New York Times

I want my career to grow gradually.

The New York Times

It handled that gamble fairly well, because the grid grew gradually from the densest parts out.

Harvard University

These water pipe networks will grow gradually and contribute to the transformation of the roofscape.

Columbia University

Under external stresses, the defect may grow gradually to cause slow degradation of the adhesive bond.

Long Term Durability of Structural Materials Durability 2000 Proceedings of the Durability Workshop, Berkeley, California, 26–27 October, 2000

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing gradually" to convey a sense of stability and long-term development rather than sudden or erratic change. This is especially useful in contexts like economic trends, personal growth, or project development.

Common error

While "growing gradually" is appropriate, avoid phrases like "growing very gradually" or "growing slowly and gradually" as they can be redundant and weaken the impact of your writing. Choose one adverb to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing gradually" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the examples show it commonly modifying verbs to indicate a slow and progressive increase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "growing gradually" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that describes a slow, steady, and consistent increase over time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile enough for diverse contexts, from economic trends to personal development, and maintains a neutral register. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its reliability in both formal and informal writing. While effective, avoid redundant adverbs to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing steadily

Emphasizes a constant and consistent increase.

progressing slowly

Focuses on the slow pace of advancement.

developing incrementally

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the development.

expanding by degrees

Suggests a gradual and measured expansion.

evolving in stages

Implies a phased and progressive evolution.

advancing bit by bit

Stresses the small, cumulative steps of advancement.

maturing over time

Highlights the gradual development and maturation process.

building up slowly

Focuses on the gradual accumulation and construction.

accumulating steadily

Emphasizes the consistent accumulation over time.

unfolding progressively

Suggests a gradual and continuous unveiling or development.

FAQs

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

You can use "growing gradually" to describe a process or change that is happening slowly over time. For example: "The company's profits have been "growing gradually" over the past few years."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "growing gradually"?

Some alternatives to "growing gradually" include phrases like "increasing steadily", "progressing slowly", or "developing incrementally".

Is it correct to say "growing gradual" instead of "growing gradually"?

No, "growing gradual" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is ""growing gradually"", where "gradually" is an adverb modifying the verb "growing".

What is the difference between "growing gradually" and "expanding rapidly"?

"Growing gradually" implies a slow and steady increase, while "expanding rapidly" suggests a quick and significant increase. The choice depends on the context and the rate of change you want to convey.