inching towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"inching towards" is correct in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the process of something slowly advancing or moving closer to something else. For example, "The deadline for the project is inching towards, so make sure to finish as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I began inching towards the Promised Land.

The Guardian

Gene therapy: cursed or inching towards credibility?

Nature

America's Congress is inching towards passing "fast-track" trade authority.

The Economist

America is inching towards war with Iran, though not as a result of any policy decision.

The Economist

Even the European Central Bank (ECB) may be inching towards greater boldness.

The Economist

We may still be inching towards recovery or we may be about to slip back.

The Economist

The European Union is inching towards requiring country-by-country reporting, of a sort.

The Economist

Many important parties, notably the EU and Brazil, appear to be inching towards Mr Lamy's compromise.

The Economist

America seems to be inching towards some sort of regulation of greenhouse gases (see article).

The Economist

The new one is a shambles, but it is inching towards something better.

The Economist

In doing so, they are inching towards an understanding of the climate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inching towards" to convey a sense of slow, continuous progress toward a specific objective or state. This is particularly effective when the process is gradual or faces obstacles.

Common error

Avoid using "inching towards" when describing situations that require or exhibit rapid advancement. The phrase's inherent slowness can create a jarring disconnect in contexts demanding speed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inching towards" is that of a verb phrase acting as a predicate in a sentence, describing a gradual movement or progression toward a specific goal or state. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where it shows something moving or progressing slowly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inching towards" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to describe slow, steady progress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and neutral register, showing frequent use in news and media, but also acceptance in scientific and formal business contexts. To avoid misapplication, it should not be used in contexts implying fast movement. Consider alternatives like "gradually approaching" or "slowly advancing toward" for similar meanings. This detailed analysis, supported by diverse examples, ensures writers can confidently and appropriately employ the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually approaching

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

slowly advancing toward

Highlights the slowness of the progress.

progressing incrementally towards

Focuses on the small, incremental steps being taken.

making headway toward

Suggests that progress is being made, even if slowly.

drawing nearer to

Implies a reduction in distance over time.

on the verge of

Indicates nearing a critical or decisive point.

approaching by degrees

Stresses the measured and deliberate nature of the approach.

slowly but surely nearing

Highlights the certainty of eventual arrival, despite the slowness.

closing in on

Suggests a narrowing gap between the current state and the goal.

coming closer to

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the idea of approaching.

FAQs

What does "inching towards" mean?

Inching towards means moving slowly and gradually toward something. It suggests a slow but persistent progress.

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

You can use "inching towards" to describe gradual progress, such as "The company is "inching towards" profitability after a difficult year".

What are some alternatives to "inching towards"?

Alternatives to "inching towards" include "gradually approaching", "slowly advancing toward", or "progressing incrementally towards".

Is "inching towards" formal or informal?

"Inching towards" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.