inching toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"inching toward" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a slow and gradual approach to something. For example: "The company is inching toward a resolution on the new compensation plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Inching Toward Completion  |  Several big transactions are getting a fair amount of scrutiny.

The New York Times

"I call it inching toward Jerusalem".

The New York Times

He seemed to be inching toward George Michael.

The New Yorker

Behind the scenes, the cabs are inching toward their debut.

The New York Times

Prices are inching toward their highest levels, reached in 2008.

The New York Times

Even navigation companies are inching toward similar connected solutions.

The New York Times

Now two lawsuits are inching toward the Supreme Court.

The New York Times

Three states have also begun inching toward allowing dental therapists.

The New York Times

He refused to elaborate on inching toward Aaron.

The New York Times - Sports

Head transplants, at the extreme frontier of medicine, are inching toward reality.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Oil Prices Inch Toward $60 Per Barrel.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inching toward" to convey a sense of slow but steady progress, especially when facing obstacles or resistance.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, "inching toward" can sound informal or even trivializing in serious academic or professional writing. Opt for more direct and forceful language when precision and impact are critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inching toward" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, indicating an action of gradual movement or progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. The examples provided demonstrate its use in describing a slow but consistent approach to a particular goal or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inching toward" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase used to describe slow and steady progress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is accepted in written English and is very common, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and audience, as more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain academic or professional settings. When aiming for a more forceful and direct writing style, consider alternatives such as "gradually approaching" or "slowly advancing toward". In conclusion, "inching toward" is a versatile phrase for portraying gradual progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually approaching

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the approach, focusing on the process more than the distance covered.

slowly advancing toward

Highlights both the slowness and the forward movement, useful when the pace is particularly deliberate.

progressing incrementally toward

Stresses the small steps being taken and the direction of that progress.

making headway toward

Implies overcoming obstacles while moving closer to the objective.

drawing nearer to

Focuses on reducing the distance to a specific point or goal.

moving little by little toward

Underscores the minimal but consistent advancement.

creeping closer to

Suggests a cautious or subtle approach, often used when discretion is needed.

developing bit by bit into

Implies a gradual evolution or transformation.

on the verge of

Indicates being very close to reaching a certain state or condition.

on the cusp of

Similar to "on the verge of", suggesting imminent arrival or transition.

FAQs

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

You can use "inching toward" to describe a gradual process or movement, such as "The negotiations are "inching toward" a resolution" or "The project is "inching toward" completion".

What are some alternatives to "inching toward"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "gradually approaching", "slowly advancing toward", or "progressing incrementally toward" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "inching toward" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "inching toward" might be perceived as informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more direct and forceful alternatives like "progressing steadily" or "gradually advancing".

What does it mean when something is described as "inching toward" a goal?

It suggests that progress is being made, but at a slow and perhaps hesitant pace. It can imply that there are obstacles or challenges hindering more rapid advancement.