incremental gains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incremental gains" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing improvements or progress that occur gradually over time, often in contexts like business, fitness, or personal development. Example: "By focusing on incremental gains, the team was able to enhance their productivity without overwhelming their resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So too, there have been incremental gains in media exposure.

The Guardian - Sport

In recent years, labor rights advocates say they have seen incremental gains for workers.

The New York Times

But we've made great incremental gains in understanding biology and increasing awareness.

The New York Times

Another common goal is to realize incremental gains as the reform proceeds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Incremental gains are welcome, but their durability is much in doubt.

The New York Times

G.M. has made some incremental gains this year in market share in the United States.

The New York Times

He argues against a "peaceful revolution", suggesting that a new civil society should seek incremental gains.

The Economist

That has left Mr. Freiberg to pursue the fourth strategy, which is to seek incremental gains where he can.

The New York Times

Repeated bids to improve relations have failed, though there have been incremental gains over the last decade.

The Guardian

In recent years, the "aid in dying" movement has made incremental gains, but the issue remains controversial.

The Guardian

Internet firms like Google and Amazon have built their entire businesses on the back of repeated incremental gains.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incremental gains" to emphasize that improvements are being made consistently over time, even if they appear small individually. This is particularly useful when discussing long-term strategies or gradual processes.

Common error

Avoid using "incremental gains" to describe improvements that are actually substantial or game-changing. Reserve the phrase for situations where progress is genuinely gradual and requires sustained effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incremental gains" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes the concept of making progress in small, manageable steps. Ludwig's examples show it is used to describe progress in business, sports, and personal development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "incremental gains" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that describes gradual progress achieved through small, consistent steps. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is often employed in business, news, and scientific contexts to convey a sense of steady improvement. While "incremental gains" is appropriate for describing gradual progress, it should not be used to overstate the significance of substantial improvements. Alternatives include "gradual progress" or "steady improvements", depending on the specific context. The frequency of the phrase in authoritative sources indicates its relevance and acceptance in formal and professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradual progress

Focuses on the process of advancing steadily.

steady improvements

Highlights the consistent nature of the positive changes.

marginal improvements

Emphasizes the small size of the individual advancements.

step-by-step progress

Indicates a methodical, phased approach to advancement.

progressive development

Highlights the ongoing evolution and growth.

piecemeal advances

Suggests that progress is made in small, distinct parts.

measured gains

Emphasizes that the progress is carefully planned and evaluated.

modest advancements

Downplays the scale of the improvements, suggesting they are not dramatic.

successive approximations

Focuses on the iterative nature of the process, with each step getting closer to the desired outcome.

small steps forward

Highlights the small and deliberate nature of each action taken.

FAQs

How can I use "incremental gains" in a sentence?

You can use "incremental gains" to describe progress achieved through small steps. For example: "The company focused on "incremental gains" in efficiency to improve overall productivity."

What are some alternatives to "incremental gains"?

Alternatives include "gradual progress", "steady improvements", or "marginal improvements" depending on the specific context you're writing in.

Is it better to focus on "incremental gains" or large, sweeping changes?

The best approach depends on the situation. "Incremental gains" are often more sustainable and manageable in the long run, while large changes can be risky but may yield faster results. Consider the context and available resources to determine the most effective strategy.

What's the difference between "incremental gains" and "exponential growth"?

"Incremental gains" refer to steady, gradual progress, while "exponential growth" indicates rapid, accelerating progress. The former is linear, the latter is not.