make advances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make advances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to making progress or achieving something notable, such as a big win, success, or improvement. For example, "The team made great advances in their training and are now ready to compete in the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People could make advances at the margin and it wasn't really hurting.

The Guardian

Nagy has accused Strauss-Kahn of abusing his position to make advances to her.

The Guardian

But this does not guarantee that Greens will make advances in the forthcoming London elections.

The Guardian

She described how it was common knowledge that Savile would make "advances".

The Guardian

He would make advances to Attwood fairly regularly, but was always rebutted.

Independent

Of course, some boys did make advances towards me, but I firmly believe there was nothing sexual about that.

The Guardian - Books

In theory, that would free up Nasa to advance with exploration beyond the Earth's orbit and make advances in technology.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not easy to make advances and progress, but one must approach the work with a positive outlook.

The Guardian

Facebook says M will make advances through leveraging its unmatched database of personal information, coupled with invisible human "trainers".

The Guardian - Tech

Without Western air strikes, the rebels seem unable to make advances or even hold their positions against Gaddafi's armour.

Independent

Partnering with JAL, Asia's biggest carrier, would offer Delta the chance to make advances in the region.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In the context of relationships or negotiations, be mindful of the connotation, as "make advances" can imply romantic or unwelcome overtures.

Common error

In professional or social settings, be aware that "make advances" can be misconstrued as inappropriate behavior. Clearly specify the type of progress being made to avoid any misunderstandings. For example, instead of saying "He made advances on her", clarify if it refers to a business proposal or something else entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make advances" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It signifies the action of achieving progress, improvement, or development in a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make advances" is a versatile and commonly used expression signifying progress, development, or overtures in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedic content. When using the phrase, especially in sensitive situations, be mindful of potential ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "make headway" or "make progress" for clearer communication. Always ensure the context is clear to avoid misunderstandings. The authoritative sources and varied examples provided by Ludwig illustrate the breadth and depth of this phrase's applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make progress

A more general term for moving forward or improving.

make headway

Focuses on the progress made, often in overcoming obstacles.

achieve advancements

Highlights the attainment of specific improvements or developments.

make strides

Suggests significant and noticeable progress.

move forward

Emphasizes the act of advancing, either literally or figuratively.

push forward

Implies a strong effort to advance despite resistance.

gain ground

Suggests achieving a more advantageous position.

further development

Focuses on enhancing and expanding existing progress.

register gains

Highlights quantifiable improvements or benefits.

make overtures

Refers to making advances in a relational or romantic context.

FAQs

How can I use "make advances" in a sentence?

You can use "make advances" to describe progress in a field, such as "Scientists are continually working to "make advances" in cancer treatment", or to describe someone's actions, such as "He tried to "make advances" toward her at the party".

What does "make advances" mean in a scientific context?

In a scientific context, "make advances" means to achieve progress or breakthroughs in research, understanding, or technology. It indicates significant improvements or developments in a particular field. For example, "The study helped researchers "make advances" in understanding the human genome".

What can I say instead of "make advances" when referring to progress?

When referring to progress, you can use alternatives like "make headway", "make progress", or "move forward" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "make advances" in a professional setting?

While generally acceptable, using "make advances" in a professional setting requires careful consideration. When discussing project development or strategic initiatives, it's perfectly appropriate. However, in the context of interpersonal relationships, it can be misconstrued as inappropriate behavior. Clarity is key to avoid misunderstandings, or consider using alternatives like "make headway" or "make progress".