it was progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was progress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain action or event resulted in improvement or advancement in a situation. Example: "After months of hard work, we finally completed the project, and it was progress towards our long-term goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But it was progress.

The New York Times - Sports

To Oudin, it was progress realized.

The New York Times

By any measure, it was progress.

The New York Times - Sports

This wasn't walking, exactly, but it was progress, of a swift and baleful kind.

The New Yorker

Even if the economy was slow to take off, it was progress.

The New York Times

The menu disagreed, and the people next to me laughed, but it was progress.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"It's progress.

The New York Times

But it is progress.

The Economist

But it's progress".

The New York Times

But it's progress nonetheless.

The New York Times

It's progress, albeit slow.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was progress" to acknowledge even small or incremental improvements, especially when facing challenges or setbacks. It helps maintain a positive outlook.

Common error

Avoid using "it was progress" when the actual improvement is negligible or doesn't lead to tangible benefits. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and appear insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was progress" functions as a statement of positive assessment. It indicates that a prior action or situation has resulted in an advancement, even if the improvement is not substantial or complete. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is correct and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was progress" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that acknowledges positive change or advancement. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and readily usable.

While suitable for various situations, it's most common in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the improvement is genuine and significant enough to warrant acknowledgment. Alternatives such as "it was an improvement" or "it represented a step forward" can be used for variety. Be mindful of overstating the importance of minor changes to maintain credibility. This will allow you to properly implement it in your writing, whether formal or informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a positive development

This is a more concise way of expressing a similar idea, focusing on "development" as the key noun.

it constituted an improvement

Directly states that the change was an improvement over the previous state.

it represented a step forward

Highlights the action as a step in a positive direction, adding a sense of purpose.

it demonstrated positive change

Focuses on the manifestation of change that is beneficial.

it marked an advancement

Focuses on the event as a marker of advancement, rather than a statement about progress.

it indicated positive evolution

Uses a more formal term, "evolution", to suggest a gradual improvement.

it signified forward movement

Emphasizes the direction of movement, suggesting a step forward.

it reflected a move in the right direction

Indicates that the change aligned with a desired path or goal.

it showed signs of development

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of development, rather than a completed change.

it meant things were getting better

Simplifies the meaning, focusing on the overall positive outcome.

FAQs

What does "it was progress" mean?

The phrase "it was progress" means that a particular action, event, or change resulted in some form of advancement, improvement, or positive development, even if the advancement is small or not fully realized.

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

You can use "it was progress" to acknowledge positive change, even when challenges remain. For example, "The new policy wasn't perfect, but "it was progress" compared to the previous system".

What can I say instead of "it was progress"?

You can use alternatives like "it was an improvement", "it represented a step forward", or "it marked an advancement" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is progress" or "it was progress"?

Both "it is progress" and "it was progress" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "It is progress" refers to something that is currently happening or is generally true, while "it was progress" refers to something that happened in the past.