inroads

USAGE SUMMARY

"inroads" is a correct word in written English.
It is typically used to describe making progress or advancement in a specific area. For example: "The company has been making inroads in international markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, for the first time, Jobbik has made real inroads into the prosperous trans-Danubian regions, when the conventional wisdom held that the party would remain confined to eastern Hungary, the poorest part of the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bush speaks fluent Spanish and comes from a family — particularly his father and uncle — that has successfully built inroads to Latino voters.

The Guardian

The company has made significant inroads into online video and cloud computing.

The Guardian

"She has a history of advocating on behalf of what she believes in and, from a pure historic standpoint, it'd be great if she won," Burns told the Guardian of Clinton, insisting that Republicans had made few inroads with black voters since Obama took office.

The Guardian

According to a cable sent to Pretoria on 29 June 2012, the CIA agent "seems to be desperate to make inroads into Hamas in Gaza and possibly would like SSA [the South African State Security Agency] to assist them in gaining access".

The Guardian

Economically, Kyrgyzstan is heavily dependent on Russia, although China has made inroads over the past two decades.

The Guardian

Nicola Adams, the first woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal, burst through the gain line; now the likes of Emily Scarratt, who scored 16 points in the World Cup final over Canada, are making deeper inroads.

The Guardian - Sport

Grassroots organisation remains strong despite the recent inroads made by the BJP.

The Guardian

I suppose this is an improvement over the days when a woman attempting to make serious inroads in any field dominated by men, including national politics, was only hurt by her gender.

The Guardian - Opinion

To claim we are "struggling" when serious inroads are being made into dismantling organised crime groups is an unusual viewpoint.

The Guardian - Opinion

What it accomplished was to make important inroads up and down the country and prove itself a danger not just to Tories but to Labour too.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inroads" to describe gradual progress or initial steps in overcoming a challenge or entering a new area. It emphasizes the effort and persistence required to achieve this progress.

Common error

Avoid using "inroads" to describe sudden or complete successes. It suggests initial progress, not a finished result. Instead, consider words like "breakthrough" or "victory" for final achievements.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inroads" is as a plural noun, typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., "make inroads"). Ludwig AI shows this usage consistently across examples, indicating its role in describing progress or advancement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "inroads" is a common term used to describe making progress or initial advancements, often in the face of challenges. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it is frequently found in news, business, and formal writing. When using "inroads", remember that it implies gradual progress rather than a complete victory. Consider alternatives like "progress" or "advances" depending on the specific context. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "inroads" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advances

This term emphasizes forward movement or progress, similar to "inroads" but with a broader connotation.

progress

A general term for improvement or development, less specific than "inroads" which implies overcoming resistance.

advancements

Similar to "advances", this term highlights the act of moving forward, but can also refer to specific achievements.

gains

Implies acquiring something beneficial, often after effort or struggle, akin to making "inroads".

strides

Suggests significant progress, often made quickly or decisively, similar to making rapid "inroads".

breakthroughs

Refers to sudden and significant advances, often overcoming a major obstacle, similar to making significant "inroads".

encroachments

Suggests a gradual intrusion or advance, often into someone else's territory or domain, similar to the initial stages of making "inroads".

penetration

Implies gaining access or influence, similar to making "inroads" into a market or field.

headway

Denotes progress made despite difficulties, synonymous with making slow but steady "inroads".

footprints

Focuses on the mark or influence left behind as progress is made, representing the effects of making "inroads".

FAQs

How can I use "inroads" in a sentence?

You can use "inroads" to describe making progress or initial advancements in a particular area or field. For example, "The company is making significant "inroads" into the renewable energy market".

What are some alternatives to using the word "inroads"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "progress", "advances", "gains", or "strides" to convey similar meanings.

Is "inroads" singular or plural?

"Inroads" is generally used in the plural form. The singular form, "inroad", is less common and refers to a single instance of encroachment or initial progress.

What's the difference between "inroads" and "breakthroughs"?

"Inroads" refer to initial or gradual progress, while "breakthroughs" indicate sudden and significant advances. "Inroads" suggest ongoing effort, whereas "breakthroughs" imply a pivotal moment of success.