how gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about the pace or manner in which something changes or develops over time. Example: "Can you explain how gradually the project evolved from an idea to a fully developed product?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

How gradually?

The New York Times

In fact, it's striking how gradually Japan's catastrophe unfolded.

The New York Times

He went on about how, gradually, he had earned her trust in policing himself.

The New Yorker

And one of the production's most satisfying effects is how gradually the sinister nature of his character is revealed.

The New York Times - Arts

It is likely to be a source of tension within the Trump administration over how gradually China is allowed to make policy changes or if the president will insist on a rapid transformation.

The New York Times

But one of the virtues of this slender volume is how gradually and scrupulously it moves, as Nussbaum pushes you to slow down, think harder and revisit your knee-jerk assumptions.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

How one gradually learns to better observe and operate in the researching field?

Critical Perspectives on Accounting

He then spells out how he gradually gained control over other inmates.

The New York Times

Klein, a historian at the University of Rhode Island, shows how optimism gradually spawned financial euphoria.

The New York Times - Books

But then, as I watched my own kids, I marvelled at how they gradually learned how to delay and how that made so many other things possible".

The New Yorker

Tells how he gradually became interested in avant garde art and how the art market became centered in N.Y.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or change, use "how gradually" to emphasize the pace and manner in which it unfolds over time. This adds nuance and detail to your explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "how gradually" when a more specific measure of change (e.g., percentage increase per year) is available. Providing concrete metrics enhances clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how gradually" functions as an interrogative adverbial phrase within relative clauses or questions. It is used to inquire about the manner or rate at which a process or change occurs, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how gradually" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to inquire about the pace or manner of a change or development. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, fitting into neutral to formal registers. While alternatives exist, "how gradually" precisely emphasizes the slowness and steadiness of a transition. When using it, ensure that you are seeking a nuanced understanding of a process rather than a simple confirmation that a change occurred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how incrementally

A more formal synonym focusing on small, additive changes.

at what pace

Focuses on the tempo or speed of development.

at what rate

Emphasizes the speed of the progression.

how bit by bit

Highlights small, incremental changes.

how step by step

Highlights the structured approach of gradual progression.

in what increments

Focuses on the size of the steps in the process rather than the overall pace.

in what progression

Emphasizes the sequence of steps taken to gradually achieve a goal.

in what manner progressively

A more formal alternative highlighting the method of steady advancement.

to what extent steadily

Highlights the degree and the consistent nature of the development.

in what stages

Focuses on the discrete steps in the gradual process.

FAQs

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

Use "how gradually" to ask about the pace or manner in which something changes over time. For instance, "Can you explain "how gradually" the company adopted the new policy?"

What are some alternatives to "how gradually"?

Alternatives include "at what rate", "how incrementally", or "in what progression" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "how gradually" when describing a slow change?

No, you can also describe the change directly using adverbs like "slowly", "steadily", or "incrementally" without explicitly posing a question with "how".

What is the difference between using "how gradually" and "how quickly"?

"How gradually" emphasizes the slowness and steadiness of a change, while "how quickly" focuses on the speed and rapidity. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.