make any headway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make any headway" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe progress or advancement in a task or situation, often when progress is slow or difficult. Example: "Despite our efforts, we haven't been able to make any headway on the project due to unforeseen challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Don't expect a Morsi presidency to make, "any headway on the principles of the revolution".

Huffington Post

Did I make any headway?

The Guardian

But she couldn't make any headway.

The New York Times

Few of the children make any headway at school.

Independent

Similar committees created last November failed to make any headway.

The New York Times

We need the air strikes in order to make any headway".

The New Yorker

When labour is in surplus it is hard for collective bargaining to make any headway.

The Guardian

She was trying to get back, but failing to make any headway against the current.

The Guardian

But, they said, Mr. Coleman could not make any headway with those groups.

The New York Times

Neither Gayle nor Johnson Charles could make any headway in the first six overs.

The Guardian - Sport

But they didn't stay long enough to make any headway, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "make progress" or "gain ground" if the tone of your writing requires a more nuanced expression.

Common error

Avoid using "make any headway" when referring to tasks that are already completed or easily achievable. The phrase implies effort and potential difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make any headway" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily serving as a verbal phrase. It describes the action of progressing or advancing in a task or situation, often implying difficulty or resistance. As Ludwig AI also suggests, it is a valid and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make any headway" is a grammatically sound and frequently used idiomatic expression that describes the act of making progress, especially when facing challenges. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. Its use spans various contexts, particularly in news and media, indicating a neutral register. When writing, ensure the context clarifies where progress is being attempted, and consider synonyms like "make progress" or "gain ground" for nuanced expression. The phrase is best suited for situations where effort and difficulty are implied, not for tasks that are easily achieved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make progress

Focuses on the general advancement without necessarily implying overcoming difficulty.

gain ground

Suggests incremental advancement, often against opposition or resistance.

move forward

Emphasizes the direction of advancement, less about the degree of progress.

advance

A more formal term indicating forward movement or progress.

develop

Implies growth or unfolding, suggesting a more gradual progress.

achieve results

Focuses on the outcome or accomplishments achieved through effort.

get anywhere

An informal way of indicating whether any progress is being made.

make strides

Suggests significant or noticeable progress.

make an impact

Focuses on the effect or influence resulting from progress.

turn the corner

Suggests overcoming a critical obstacle and entering a phase of improvement.

FAQs

What does "make any headway" mean?

The phrase "make any headway" means to make progress or advance in a particular situation, especially when it is difficult or challenging.

How can I use "make any headway" in a sentence?

You can use "make any headway" to describe efforts to advance in a task. For example: "Despite our best efforts, we couldn't "make any headway" with the negotiations."

What can I say instead of "make any headway"?

You can use alternatives like "make progress", "gain ground", or "move forward" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "make headway" or "make any headway"?

Both "make headway" and "make any headway" are correct, but "make any headway" often emphasizes a lack of progress or the difficulty in achieving it. "Make headway" is more general.