is inching forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is inching forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual or slow progress towards a goal or destination. Example: "The project is inching forward, but we still have a long way to go before completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Another water-recycling project is inching forward near Perth, Australia.

The New York Times

Friendliness to the environment is another demand with growing weight.Transport is inching forward.

The Economist

But progress is inching forward, High-level talks reconvene on April 17-18 in Vienna, with a largely new line-up on both sides of the table.

The Economist

The real audience for the trial, gay rights advocates say, is Congress, where legislation supported by the Obama administration to repeal don't ask, don't tell is inching forward.

The New York Times

The composting movement is inching forward in fits and starts, but the nation's trash disposal system lacks the ability to process food waste on a large scale.

The Washington Post

The club's stadium project in Harrison, N.J., is inching forward, but it looks like the MetroStars will play at least two, perhaps three more seasons at Giants Stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Yes, true democratic reform is a long ways off, but things have progressed significantly since the borders opened, and a Western-sense of fairness and equality is inching forwards.

Huffington Post

But some smaller efforts are inching forward.

The New York Times

Proposals are inching forward for a seawater plant in Texas.

The New York Times

Still, he said the investigation was inching forward.

The New York Times

But a few, including ones south of the equator, in South America and New Zealand, are inching forward.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is inching forward" to describe situations where progress is slow and steady, rather than rapid or dramatic. It is suitable when something is moving towards a goal despite obstacles or delays.

Common error

While "is inching forward" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal writing can make your tone sound less professional. Consider stronger verbs like "advancing" or "progressing" for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is inching forward" functions as a progressive verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of making slow but steady progress. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe the progress of projects, reforms, and political processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is inching forward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes slow, consistent progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. While it's suitable for many contexts, including news and general content, writers should be mindful of the tone and opt for stronger alternatives like "advancing" or "progressing" in more formal settings. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its common use in describing various advancements, from political reforms to project developments, underlining its versatility and relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is gradually advancing

Focuses on the gradual nature of the progress, emphasizing a step-by-step advancement.

is slowly progressing

Highlights the slow pace of the progression, similar to "inching forward".

is making headway

Suggests progress being made against resistance or difficulty.

is gaining ground

Implies that the subject is moving forward and improving its position.

is moving slowly ahead

Emphasizes the forward movement, albeit at a reduced speed.

is creeping along

Conveys a sense of very slow, almost imperceptible progress.

is crawling forward

Suggests extremely slow and laborious movement.

is developing incrementally

Focuses on the step-by-step and gradual nature of development.

is unfolding gradually

Highlights the slow unveiling or revelation of something.

is advancing at a snail's pace

Uses a metaphor to illustrate the extreme slowness of the advancement.

FAQs

What does "is inching forward" mean?

The phrase "is inching forward" means making slow but steady progress toward a goal. It suggests gradual movement or advancement despite potential obstacles or delays.

What can I say instead of "is inching forward"?

You can use alternatives like "is gradually advancing", "is slowly progressing", or "is making headway" depending on the context.

How to use "is inching forward" in a sentence?

Example usage: "Despite the challenges, the project "is inching forward", showing promising signs of eventual success."

Is "is inching forward" formal or informal?

The phrase "is inching forward" is generally considered neutral in tone and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "is gradually advancing" might be preferred in certain professional settings.