make considerable headway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make considerable headway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing progress or advancements made in a particular task or project. Example: "After several weeks of hard work, we finally began to make considerable headway on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Chinese anti-opium efforts in fact began to make considerable headway in controlling the Chinese side of the smuggling trade in late 1838 and early 1839.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fortunately we can make considerable headway in getting clear on natural selection without solving all of those outstanding problems.

SEP

And, fortunately, we can make considerable headway in understanding natural selection without solving all of the philosophical problems surrounding the concept of fitness.

SEP

Although not nearly as glitzy as Golden Rice's high-tech, lab-based genetic manipulations, the everyday, on the ground solutions to VAD and other micronutrient deficiencies continue to make considerable headway.

Huffington Post

After years of decline brought on by urban flight and a devastating earthquake, this historic capital is trying to rescue itself from squatters, hawkers and thugs--and could soon make considerable headway.

Los Angeles Times

The adjustment to rural life as the only foreigner in town was rough in the beginning but thankfully, about 45 mosquito bites into the summer (i.e. less than two weeks), I had finally begun to make considerable headway with my work and my relationships with the villagers.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Mediterranean world was linked together as never before, and standardization made considerable headway.

Encyclopedia Britannica

IN contrast, college basketball programs have made considerable headway in hiring black head coaches.

The New York Times

He also appears to have made considerable headway in turning around negative views of his personality and demeanor.

The New York Times

I called in to Air studio to find out how this audio adventure was progressing, and found that Paul, Danny and Sarah had made considerable headway.

The Guardian - Music

Both the musicians and producers acknowledge having made considerable headway on achieving flexibility in the process by which these exceptions are granted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make considerable headway" when you want to emphasize that significant progress has been achieved, especially after overcoming obstacles or initial difficulties. It implies that the initial efforts are paying off.

Common error

Avoid using "make considerable headway" when describing minor or easily achieved tasks. The phrase suggests substantial effort and noticeable advancement, so reserve it for situations where genuine progress has been made against challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make considerable headway" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of achieving substantial progress. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it used to describe advancements in various fields, from scientific research to personal development.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make considerable headway" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for indicating significant progress. As Ludwig AI points out, it's applicable in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While the phrase isn't extremely common, it effectively communicates that substantial advancement has been achieved, particularly in the face of challenges. When writing, reserve "make considerable headway" for situations where the progress is genuine and noteworthy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make significant progress

This alternative emphasizes the importance of the progress achieved.

achieve substantial advancement

This alternative highlights the level of advancement.

make notable strides

This alternative suggests that progress is achieved by efforts.

gain significant ground

This alternative indicates advancing in a competitive context.

make marked improvements

This alternative implies positive alterations.

make substantial gains

This alternative implies a tangible increase or benefit.

make good progress

This alternative is a more general term for progress.

advance significantly

This alternative is more concise, focusing on the act of advancing.

move forward substantially

This alternative emphasizes the direction of the progress.

make a breakthrough

This alternative suggests that progress is achieved by solving a difficult problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "make considerable headway" to describe significant progress in a task or project. For example, "The research team has "made considerable headway" in understanding the disease."

What are some alternatives to "make considerable headway"?

Alternatives include "make significant progress", "achieve substantial advancement", or "make notable strides". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make considerable headway" or "make considerable progress"?

Both "make considerable headway" and "make considerable progress" are correct and very similar. "Make considerable headway" often implies overcoming initial difficulties, while "make considerable progress" is a more general term.

Can "considerable headway" be used to describe minor achievements?

While grammatically correct, using "considerable headway" for minor achievements can sound exaggerated. It's best reserved for situations where genuine and significant advancement has occurred.