iterating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "iterating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of repeating a set of operations or steps, often in the context of programming, design, or problem-solving. Example: "We are iterating on the design to improve its functionality and user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

In a landmark 1980 paper, the computer scientists Bill Buxton and Richard Sniderman summed up the iterative approach to design as "Keep trying until you get it right," acknowledging that the key question was "How do you know when you have got it 'right'?" The schemers behind Facebook may be rolling out iterations like crazy, but only time will tell if they're iterating their way into oblivion.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is a mathematical formulation of the iterative concept of set: sets are just what one gets by iterating the power set operation on the well-ordered class of ordinal numbers.

SEP

If F is complex and contains (∀y) or (∃z), etc., then A is the result obtained by iterating the transformation of eliminating (∀y), etc.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In terms of this notion the natural numbers, as defined above, are simply the succession 0, 0″, 0‴, 0‴, … ; i.e., the natural numbers are the sets obtained starting with Ø and iterating the prime operation a finite number of times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Greater ordinal numbers are obtained by iterating the prime operation beginning with ω.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This can be followed by iterating the power set operation as before: Aω′ is the power set of Aω and so forth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Ms Fernández responded by sending a bill to Congress re-iterating the new taxes.

The Economist

We have multiple emails from her team re-iterating how happy they were with the photo shoot, and there were no concerns over the photos raised with the magazine after the shoot took place.

Independent

It has provoked outcry from Christian groups, with Paramount being forced to put out a statement explaining it is "inspired by the story of Noah" and re-iterating that "artistic license has been taken".

Independent

But in the short-term the RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis has backed Smith's position as the England coach, re-iterating the stance he took in the immediately following the World Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

This is fairly obvious, but it is worth re-iterating that if you want to work in software engineering, you need to have an appreciation for the amazing possibilities that technology brings to the world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a design or development process, use "iterating" to emphasize the cyclical nature of refinement and improvement through repeated cycles.

Common error

Avoid using "iterating" excessively in contexts where simpler words like "repeating" or "revising" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily technical or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "iterating" is as a verb in its present participle form, often used to describe an ongoing process of repetition and refinement. Ludwig confirms its use in describing continuous action, similar to the examples found in the search data.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Iterating" functions as a verb describing the process of repeating actions with the goal of refinement, suitable for technical and professional contexts. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used. While it appears in various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias, overusing it in simpler contexts should be avoided. Alternatives like "repeating" or "revising" can be more appropriate depending on the specific nuances you aim to convey. As the Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is a correct and viable choice for describing iterative processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Developing iteratively

Focuses on the development process using successive cycles of design, testing, and refinement.

Going through iterations

Explicitly refers to the completion of multiple cycles or versions.

Repeating

Focuses on the action of doing something again, omitting the sense of gradual improvement.

Revising

Highlights the act of making changes and improvements to something.

Refining

Emphasizes the process of making something more precise or polished through successive steps.

Looping

Implies a cyclical repetition, often used in programming contexts.

Cycling through

Suggests a repeated sequence of actions or steps.

Progressing incrementally

Highlights the gradual and step-by-step nature of the process.

Evolving gradually

Suggests a slow and continuous process of change and improvement.

Improving step by step

Emphasizes the methodical and sequential nature of the improvement process.

FAQs

How do you use "iterating" in a sentence?

You can use "iterating" to describe a process of repeated refinement. For example, "The team is "iterating" on the design based on user feedback."

What can I say instead of "iterating"?

Alternatives to "iterating" include "repeating", "revising", or "refining", depending on the specific context.

Is "iterating" formal or informal?

"Iterating" tends to be more formal, often used in technical or professional contexts. Simpler terms like "repeating" might be more suitable for informal settings.

What's the difference between "iterating" and "repeating"?

"Iterating" implies a process of refinement and improvement through repetition, while "repeating" simply means doing something again without necessarily implying progress or change.