grows by degrees

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grows by degrees" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual increase or development over time. Example: "Her confidence in public speaking grows by degrees as she practices more frequently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Monika Naidenova as the water diviner brilliantly portrays how her character's unsettling influence on the couple's son (Aleksandar Benev) grows by degrees as the summer wears on.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it is a work, by turns learned and lyrical, that grows by degree, accreting into something lasting: a replica in miniature of a world of ideas never visible to most, and now gone.

The New York Times - Books

By maintaining a critical dialogue, objectivity grows by degree.

European Journal of Futures Research

Our Founders knew that, left unchecked, governments tend to grow by degrees into nanny-state leviathans.

The Washington Post

Then the music grew by degrees from all quarters of the band, forming a deep tangle of notated lines and emptied out into a bridge section, which felt like a whole new atmosphere, as a bridge section should.

The New York Times - Arts

We can easily perceive this cycle as we watch the slenderest of silver crescents emerging from the dark sky, growing by degrees in girth to become a shining full light disk, then in reverse, phasing back again into the black.

Huffington Post

But when Barden and Catherine Prisant decided to sell their house in the East Village because a tall building was to go up next to their beloved backyard, their challenge grew by several degrees of difficulty.

The New York Times

It is also the Hugh Kenner who has grown by slow degrees wittier and more accessible since he wrote the clotted prose of such earlier books as "Dublin's Joyce" and "The Stoic Comedians: Flaubert, Joyce, Beckett". In time he may win a wider audience for the works he has championed so devotedly.

The New York Times - Books

The deep-frequency music grew louder by degrees, nearly past pleasure into discomfort, but not quite.

The New York Times - Arts

Its influence grows by stealth.

Independent

Revenues for the airline giant stood at almost €22.9bn – 13.3pc higher than the previous year, and it expects operating profit will grow by a similar degree this year.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grows by degrees" to describe a process or change that happens gradually over time, rather than abruptly.

Common error

Avoid using "grows by degrees" when describing something that happens suddenly or instantaneously. This phrase implies a gradual development, so it's inappropriate for sudden events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grows by degrees" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action or process unfolds. It specifies that the action occurs gradually, step by step, rather than suddenly or drastically. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grows by degrees" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to describe a gradual and incremental process of development or change. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression is valid and commonly used in written English. While not exceedingly frequent, the phrase is found across various contexts, including news, scientific publications, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the gradual nature of the change you are describing. Consider alternatives like "increases gradually" or "develops incrementally" for similar effects. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increases gradually

This alternative uses a more straightforward verb and adverb to convey the same idea of a slow increase.

develops incrementally

This phrase uses "incrementally" to emphasize the small steps in the development process.

progresses steadily

This option highlights the continuous and consistent nature of the development.

expands bit by bit

This alternative uses a more informal expression to suggest a gradual expansion.

builds up slowly

This phrase emphasizes the process of something accumulating or being constructed over time.

accrues gradually

This option is more formal and suggests a gradual accumulation, often in a financial or abstract sense.

evolves over time

This emphasizes the transformation and changes occurring gradually.

advances step by step

This alternative highlights the deliberate and methodical nature of the progress.

escalates slowly

This implies a gradual increase in intensity or seriousness.

intensifies gradually

Similar to "escalates slowly", this emphasizes a gradual increase in strength or intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "grows by degrees" in a sentence?

The phrase "grows by degrees" is used to describe something that increases or develops gradually over time. For example: "Her confidence "grows by degrees" as she gains more experience."

What are some alternatives to "grows by degrees"?

You can use alternatives such as "increases gradually", "develops incrementally", or "progresses steadily" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "grows by degree" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrase is "grows by degrees", using the plural form of "degree" to indicate a gradual progression through multiple stages or levels.

What's the difference between "grows by degrees" and "improves dramatically"?

"Grows by degrees" implies a slow, steady improvement, while "improves dramatically" suggests a rapid and significant change. They describe different rates of progress.