it was a progression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a progression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a series of developments or changes that occurred over time, indicating that something evolved or advanced. Example: "The project started with a simple idea, and over the months, it was a progression towards a fully developed product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was a progression, I would say.

The New York Times

It was a progression of looks for breakfast at Mercer Kitchen, for a night out at Le Bain.

The New York Times

Even fathers suffer the injustices of the world, and suddenly the boy saw life for what it was — a progression of sad, terrible, dripping moments.

The New York Times

It was a progression throughout my career.

Forbes

Then next year, when my daughter came along, it was a progression.

Huffington Post

For others, it was a progression from previous employment, or an opportunity that enabled a switch into a new profession.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Unlike the myth, being President was not her life long dream--it was a progression based on her experiences and accomplishments.

Huffington Post

It's a progression.

The New York Times

It's a progression you work through.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a progression of sorts.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's a progression toward a very elegant gesture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was a progression", ensure the context clearly indicates what is progressing and what the starting and ending points are. Providing specific details will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it was a progression". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "it evolved" or "it developed" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a progression" functions as a statement indicating that something advanced or evolved gradually over time. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase being used to describe developments in careers, looks, and even abstract concepts like life itself.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was a progression" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that signifies a gradual development or advancement over time. Ludwig AI analysis of the examples reveals that it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it serves to explain the step-by-step nature of events or processes. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards a slightly more formal tone. For enhanced clarity, ensure the context specifies what is progressing and avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms. Ultimately, "it was a progression" is a useful expression when you want to emphasize the sequential and incremental nature of a change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it evolved gradually

This alternative focuses on the gradual evolution of something, highlighting a slow and continuous process.

it developed sequentially

This phrase emphasizes the order in which events or stages unfolded, suggesting a step-by-step development.

it unfolded in stages

This option highlights the phased nature of the development, indicating distinct periods or steps in the process.

it advanced incrementally

This alternative stresses the small, measurable steps by which something progressed over time.

it grew systematically

This phrase suggests a planned or organized development, emphasizing a structured approach to growth.

it transformed steadily

This highlights the consistent and unwavering nature of the transformation process.

it moved forward step by step

This alternative uses a more literal image to show the way things happened.

it built up gradually

This focuses on the increasing accumulation of elements or steps, leading to a final result.

it materialized progressively

This suggests the increasing tangibility or realization of something over time.

it ripened with time

This conveys the slow nature of the change, much like a fruit that ripens slowly.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a progression" in a sentence?

Use "it was a progression" to describe a gradual development or series of steps leading to a particular outcome. For example, "The company's growth wasn't sudden; "it was a progression" of strategic decisions and hard work".

What's a more formal alternative to "it was a progression"?

A more formal alternative could be "it represented an evolution" or "it constituted a development". These phrases convey a similar meaning with a slightly more sophisticated tone.

Is "it is a progression" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is a progression" is grammatically correct. Use "it is a progression" to describe something that is currently unfolding or developing. Use "it was a progression" when describing something that has already occurred.

What's the difference between "it was a progression" and "it was a development"?

While similar, "progression" implies a sequence of steps, whereas "development" suggests a broader growth or advancement. You can use "it was a development" to mean progress in general, whereas "it was a progression" emphasizes the step-by-step nature of that progress.