improve gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improve gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a process of enhancement or development that occurs over time, rather than all at once. Example: "With consistent practice, her skills began to improve gradually, leading to noticeable progress in her performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Although ABC and CGI used to assess this patient are subjective evaluation scales that may be influenced by the rater's expectations, for this patient, all the family members observed that her symptoms began to improve gradually and the improvements continued for more than six months.

BMC Psychiatry

I wanted him to improve gradually.

The Guardian - Sport

The job and housing markets continue to improve gradually, according to economic reports released Thursday.

The New York Times

Oil analysts said they expected the gasoline shortages in much of the Southeast to improve gradually through Columbus Day.

The New York Times

Although energy prices have risen further, the expansion remains firm and labor market conditions continue to improve gradually.

The New York Times

Output appears to be growing at a moderate pace despite the earlier rise in energy prices, and labor market conditions continue to improve gradually.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

ChevronTexaco's fortunes seem to be improving gradually.

The New York Times

I taught myself, improving gradually through practice and perseverance.

The Guardian

He expects the economy to continue improving gradually.

The New York Times

The Fed also said the labor market was improving gradually.

The New York Times

We said it was not explosive, but that it was improving gradually.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "improve gradually", consider specifying the area or skill that is being enhanced to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Be mindful not to use "improve gradually" when describing situations involving rapid growth or transformation. The phrase implies a slow, steady progression, and might not accurately reflect scenarios with accelerated changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improve gradually" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how the action of improving is happening. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which highlights its use in describing processes that evolve over time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "improve gradually" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a slow and steady process of enhancement. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including science, news, and business. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use it appropriately in scenarios where change happens incrementally. Alternatives like "enhance slowly" or "progress steadily" can be considered for nuanced variations. Always ensure that its usage aligns with the actual pace and nature of the improvement being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhance slowly

Focuses more on the act of making something better, but with a slower tempo.

progress steadily

Emphasizes the consistent and unwavering nature of the improvement.

develop incrementally

Highlights that improvement is achieved through small, individual steps.

evolve gradually

Suggests a natural and unfolding process of change for the better.

advance slowly

Focuses on moving forward, but at a reduced pace.

get better slowly

A more informal and general way to express improvement.

recover steadily

Specifically relates to regaining a previous state, usually after illness or difficulty.

ameliorate gradually

A more formal term for making something bad better over time.

refine progressively

Highlights the act of making small changes to achieve perfection over time.

mature slowly

Suggests a natural development over an extended period.

FAQs

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

You can use "improve gradually" to describe a process of slow but steady enhancement. For instance, "With consistent practice, her skills began to "improve gradually"".

What are some alternatives to "improve gradually"?

Some alternatives to "improve gradually" include "enhance slowly", "progress steadily", or "develop incrementally". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "improving gradually" instead of "improve gradually"?

Yes, "improving gradually" is correct, but it's a continuous form. It often appears as part of a longer verb phrase, such as "The situation is "improving gradually"". Using "improve gradually" is more generic and timeless, but depends on the context.

What's the difference between "improve gradually" and "improve rapidly"?

"Improve gradually" indicates a slow and steady process of enhancement over time, while "improve rapidly" suggests a quick and accelerated rate of improvement. The choice depends on the actual pace of the change you're describing.