inching along

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inching along" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slow or gradual progress in a situation or process. Example: "The traffic was terrible, and we were just inching along the highway for hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

High-speed rail may be inching along, but it is still making progress.

The Economist

The man continues to walk, oblivious, with me inching along behind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The notes contain something – something akin to an animal inching along low to the ground, about to pounce – that grabs my attention.

Independent

After about a mile of inching along, the road widened and cars started to swing around the obstruction at the head of the line.

The New York Times

The French economy is inching along, with the government forecasting only 0.5 percent growth this year and 1.7 percent in 2013, which may be optimistic given the slowdown in the German economy, too.

The New York Times

Stage 1: Sitting in traffic on the 101 in the Valley on a Sunday afternoon, inching along, drumming my fingertips, feeling tense.

Los Angeles Times

With the investigation inching along, the authorities arrested several people in Mexico accused of illegally adopting babies in the scam, but released them soon after and returned to their care the children they allegedly bought.

Vice

It's taken quite a long time, inching along with progress.

The Guardian

I slowed down to about three miles an hour, barely inching along the road.

The New York Times

I became fascinated by a green caterpillar that was inching along Çağan's leg.

The New Yorker

For days I had been inching along the Sutherland coast courtesy of a series of postbuses.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inching along" to vividly describe situations where progress is slow and perhaps frustrating, such as traffic jams or drawn-out negotiations. It adds a sense of realism and relatability to your writing.

Common error

While "inching along" is suitable for many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "progressing slowly" or "advancing gradually" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inching along" functions as a compound verb, specifically a present participle used in a continuous tense to describe an ongoing action. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating how something is moving or progressing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inching along" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe slow, often difficult progress. As Ludwig AI validates, it's correct and suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news and media. While it may be less appropriate in very formal or technical documents, its versatility makes it a valuable addition to your vocabulary. Consider alternatives such as "moving slowly" or "progressing gradually" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "inching along" to add vividness to your descriptions of slow-moving situations, but avoid overuse to maintain a balanced and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inching forward

A slight variation that specifies the direction of movement.

moving slowly

Focuses on the slow pace of movement or progress.

progressing gradually

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the advancement.

creeping forward

Suggests a stealthy or almost imperceptible advancement.

advancing slowly

Highlights the forward direction but at a reduced speed.

making slow progress

Directly states that the progress is happening at a slow rate.

proceeding slowly

Emphasizes the methodical and unhurried manner of moving forward.

barely moving

Indicates minimal or almost no movement at all.

crawling along

Emphasizes a very slow and laborious movement.

plodding on

Suggests a steady but slow and possibly tiring progress.

FAQs

How can I use "inching along" in a sentence?

"Inching along" describes slow progress. For example, "The traffic was terrible, and we were "inching along" the highway for hours".

What are some alternatives to "inching along"?

You can use alternatives like "moving slowly", "progressing gradually", or "creeping forward" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "inching along" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "inching along" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "progressing slowly" or "advancing gradually" for a more professional tone.

What does "inching along" imply about the progress being made?

"Inching along" implies that progress is very slow, often laborious, and possibly frustrating. It suggests a lack of significant advancement or momentum.