lag behind progressively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lag behind progressively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is falling further behind over time, often in a gradual manner. Example: "As technology advances, those who do not adapt may find themselves lagging behind progressively in their respective fields."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who likes to lag behind?

Huffington Post

Japan lagged behind, by several weeks.

The Economist

Keith lagged behind as Abe moved off.

The New York Times

But Microsoft lags behind in search.

The Economist

Is Hong Kong lagging behind?

Forbes

Who lagged behind?

Forbes

"India is lagging behind," he said.

Science Magazine

But expectations lag behind reality.

Independent

They lag behind competition.

The Guardian

We lag behind Ireland and Hungary.

The Guardian - Opinion

But pockets such as Saxony lag behind.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lag behind progressively" to describe situations where the gap between entities widens over time. This emphasizes a continuous decline rather than a one-time event. For instance, "Companies that fail to innovate will lag behind progressively in the market".

Common error

Avoid using additional adverbs that duplicate the sense of "progressively". For instance, saying "lag behind progressively more and more" is redundant because "progressively" already implies a continuous increase in the gap.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lag behind progressively" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous and gradual decline or failure to keep pace. It describes an ongoing process where something or someone is falling further and further behind over time, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "lag behind progressively" is grammatically correct, it is not commonly used. It describes a continuous decline or failure to keep pace. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness but suggests that alternative phrases like "fall further behind" or "gradually fall behind" might be more common and clearer. Its register is neutral to professional, and while versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding awkward. The contexts vary and so should the implementation of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually fall behind

Emphasizes the gradual nature of losing pace, mirroring the 'progressively' aspect.

fall further behind

Focuses on the increasing distance, emphasizing a greater separation over time.

slip further back

Emphasizes a loss of position, with 'further' highlighting the increasing extent.

increasingly trail

Highlights the action of following at a greater distance, indicating a growing gap.

lose momentum continuously

Focuses on the ongoing decrease in driving force or progress.

slowly lose ground

Indicates a gradual decline in position or advantage.

deteriorate steadily

Suggests a continuous worsening of a condition or situation.

decline incrementally

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the decline, focusing on minute changes.

recede steadily

Suggests a consistent movement away from a leading position.

fall into arrears over time

Specifically implies falling behind in obligations or payments, gradually.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lag behind progressively" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "fall further behind", "increasingly trail", or "gradually lose ground". Each of these alternatives /s/fall+further+behind, /s/increasingly+trail, /s/gradually+lose+ground conveys a similar meaning while maintaining a professional register.

What's the difference between "lag behind progressively" and "fall behind"?

"Lag behind progressively" emphasizes a continuous and increasing separation over time, while "fall behind" /s/fall+behind simply indicates a state of being behind. The word "progressively" highlights the ongoing nature of the process.

Is it better to use "lag behind progressively" or "fall behind gradually"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "fall behind gradually" might be preferred for clarity and common usage. "Lag behind progressively" is less frequently used and could sound slightly awkward in certain contexts.

What are some contexts where I might use "lag behind progressively"?

You can use "lag behind progressively" in contexts discussing technological advancements, economic development, or academic performance, where entities are continuously losing ground over time. It is often used when the rate of decline is important to emphasize.