it progresses like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it progresses like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the development or advancement of one thing to another, often in a descriptive or illustrative context. Example: "The project timeline is quite similar; it progresses like a well-oiled machine, moving steadily towards completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hearing it is probably the best part about the formulaic "Drenched," which maintains a static quality even as it progresses like clockwork, or a dripping faucet, from one scene to the next.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And the Commonwealth Games likewise are an opportunity through soft politics to keep the conversation going, even if it progresses slower than many would like.

Independent

Table 4 Plaque Psoriasis Signs   N % Key quotes Redness 20 100% 002 004: It starts yeah, you start with almost like, um, a rosy colored, you know, where it starts and then, oh, within a matter of a few days you start to see the deeper red, and then, of course, it progresses where it gets like a little crusty and then if you let it go it gets like cracking.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

"When the show starts, it's one thing, and then as it progresses, you become more like your character and/or vice versa," Johnson mused, adding, "That's a really smart thing I just said.

Huffington Post

The story progresses like a tournament: a series of tests that men inevitably fail.

The New York Times - Arts

I went into labour six weeks early – which is common with twins – and as I laboured in my flat, I realised it wasn't progressing like the birth of my son.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Its progress, like most African Union projects, has been mixed.

The New York Times

Some, however, had disease that was progressing "like a runaway train", he said.

The Guardian

"We're looking at players that might make us better, someone who would progress like Jordan Cook.

BBC

I'd heard about it and stopped by from time to time as it was progressing, and I really liked what I saw.

Vice

ISTANBUL — The United States and other world powers go into another round of talks with Iran here on Friday with low expectations, but with Iran indicating that it would like to make progress on a fuel-swap arrangement originally designed by Washington as a confidence-building measure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it progresses like", ensure the comparison is clear and adds meaningful insight. For instance, instead of saying "it progresses like something", specify what aspect of the progression is being compared.

Common error

Avoid using vague comparisons with "it progresses like". Instead of saying "it progresses like a process", provide a specific and illustrative example, such as "it progresses like a well-oiled machine".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it progresses like" functions as a comparative expression, drawing a parallel between the way something advances or develops and another entity or process. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It's an illustrative tool to highlight similarities in development.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it progresses like" serves as a comparative tool to illustrate the manner in which something advances. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use, particularly in neutral contexts such as news and media. While relatively rare, the phrase gains strength through clear and specific comparisons. When employing this construction, ensure that the comparison enhances the reader's understanding of the subject at hand. For more formal or precise expressions, consider alternatives like "it advances similarly to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it advances similarly to

This alternative replaces "progresses" with "advances" and uses "similarly to" to emphasize the comparable manner of advancement.

it proceeds in a fashion similar to

Replaces "progresses" with "proceeds", maintaining a formal tone while indicating advancement in a comparable manner.

it unfolds in a manner akin to

This phrase replaces "progresses" with "unfolds" suggesting a gradual revelation, while "akin to" indicates a resemblance in the unfolding process.

it unfolds much like

This option replaces "progresses" with "unfolds", focusing on the gradual revelation and using "much like" for a direct comparison.

it develops just as

This alternative uses "develops" in place of "progresses" and emphasizes the likeness of the development process.

its development mirrors

This highlights the developmental aspect, suggesting that the development of something closely resembles something else.

its trajectory resembles

This alternative highlights the path or course of progression, indicating a similarity in the trajectory.

it evolves analogously to

This suggests a transformation or evolution process that shares similarities with another process.

it follows a course akin to

This emphasizes the path taken by something, indicating a similarity in the course or route of progression.

the way it moves is like

Focuses on the movement or progression aspect, using a more literal comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "it progresses like" in a sentence?

Use "it progresses like" to compare the manner of advancement of one thing to another. For example, "The project progresses like a well-oiled machine, moving steadily towards completion".

What are some alternatives to "it progresses like"?

Alternatives include "it advances similarly to", "it unfolds in a manner akin to", or "its development mirrors", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "it progresses like" and "it develops like"?

While similar, "progresses" implies a forward movement towards a goal, whereas "develops" suggests a gradual expansion or refinement. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the direction or the overall evolution. Consider using "it develops just as" when emphasizing evolution.

Can "it progresses like" be used in formal writing?

Yes, but ensure the comparison is apt and enhances understanding. In highly formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives such as "it proceeds in a fashion similar to" for added gravitas.