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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
have progress
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "have progress" is not grammatically correct.
"Progress" is a noun and therefore cannot be preceded by the auxiliary verb "have." A more correct and commonly used phrase would be "make progress." Example: "She has been working hard to make progress on her research project."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Alternative expressions(10)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
41 human-written examples
Only then do you have progress...
News & Media
"We don't have progress to report at this time".
News & Media
We have progress, but we don't fully understand them.
News & Media
Vizetelly Would Have Progress in Speech as in Mechanics.
News & Media
Mr. Vizetelly Would Have Progress in Speech as in Mechanics.
News & Media
We can have progress in Scotland without the risks of separation.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
19 human-written examples
Still, some cases have progressed.
News & Media
Things have progressed.
News & Media
The negotiations have progressed agonisingly slowly.
News & Media
But the talks have progressed painfully slowly.
News & Media
Antisense strategies have progressed rapidly.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Always use the phrase "make progress" instead of "have progress" to ensure grammatical correctness. "Progress" is a noun and requires a verb like "make" to indicate action.
Common error
Avoid using "have" directly before nouns that describe actions or advancements, such as "progress", "success", or "growth". Instead, use verbs like "make", "achieve", or "experience" to correctly express the intended meaning.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "have progress" attempts to function as a verb phrase, but it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI points out that "progress" is a noun and cannot be correctly paired with the auxiliary verb "have" in this way. A grammatically correct alternative is "make progress".
Frequent in
Science
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News & Media
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Formal & Business
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Less common in
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "have progress" is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI explains, "progress" is a noun and should be used with the verb "make" instead. Therefore, the correct phrase is "make progress". While search results may show instances of "have progress" being used, this does not legitimize its grammatical correctness. It's best to stick to "make progress" or similar alternatives to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
make progress
This is the most direct and grammatically correct alternative, substituting "have" with "make" to properly collocate with "progress".
advance
This single word replaces the entire phrase, focusing on the act of moving forward or improving.
move forward
This alternative emphasizes the continuous action of advancing towards a goal.
develop
This term highlights the gradual growth or improvement over time.
improve
Focuses on the act of becoming better or more proficient.
gain ground
This idiom suggests gradual advancement, often against opposition or difficulty.
show improvement
This phrase emphasizes the demonstration or visibility of positive changes.
get ahead
This indicates making positive progress, often in a competitive context.
forge ahead
This emphasizes determined progress, often overcoming obstacles.
push forward
This implies a forceful and active effort to make progress.
FAQs
What is the correct way to use "progress" in a sentence?
The correct way to use "progress" in a sentence is to use the verb "make" before it, as in "make progress". For example, "We are "making progress" on the project" is correct, while "We have progress on the project" is not.
What can I say instead of "have progress"?
Instead of "have progress", you can say "make progress", which is the grammatically correct alternative. Other options include "advance", "improve", or "gain ground" depending on the specific context.
Is "have progress" grammatically correct?
No, "have progress" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is to use "make progress". "Progress" is a noun, and it requires the verb "make" to form a grammatically sound phrase.
What's the difference between "have progress" and "make progress"?
"Have progress" is grammatically incorrect, while "make progress" is the correct usage. "Make progress" indicates that an action is being performed to advance or improve, whereas "have progress" doesn't convey a clear meaning.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested