make headway

USAGE SUMMARY

"make headway" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a phrasal verb and generally means to make progress or to make advances. For example, "After two weeks of hard work, we were finally able to make headway on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

New entrants struggle to make headway.

The Guardian - Business

Northampton looking make headway in midfield now.

The Guardian - Sport

"But leadership is needed to make headway.

The Guardian - Sport

How to make headway against chronic diseases.

MIT Technology Review

Microsoft's counter-attack has failed to make headway.

The Economist

We had to use every last gust to make headway.

Independent

Thereafter, Martin was able to make headway in Italy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Or whether Republicans will finally make headway in recruiting them.

The New York Times

Neither side has been able to make headway.

The New York Times

In 1970s Britain though, the IFS struggled to make headway.

The Guardian - Business

To make headway, he turned to the Web.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make headway" when you want to emphasize the effort or difficulty involved in making progress. It suggests overcoming obstacles or resistance.

Common error

Avoid using "make headway" for simple or easily achievable tasks. The phrase implies a significant challenge or obstacle being overcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make headway" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with an intransitive verb. It describes the action of advancing or progressing, often in the face of challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make headway" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies progress, particularly when overcoming obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability. It functions as a verb phrase and carries a neutral to professional tone, making it suitable for a variety of contexts including news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "gain ground" or "make progress" exist, "make headway" uniquely emphasizes the challenges involved in achieving that progress. Remember to use it when the progress is hard-won to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make progress

A more general term for advancing towards a goal.

move forward

Focuses on the act of advancing, often in a literal or metaphorical journey.

gain ground

Similar in meaning, emphasizing overcoming resistance or challenges.

advance

A more formal term for making progress, often used in technical or strategic contexts.

get ahead

Suggests improving one's position or status, often in a competitive environment.

push forward

Emphasizes effort and determination in making progress.

forge ahead

Suggests creating a path to progress, often in the face of obstacles.

turn the corner

Implies overcoming a difficult phase and starting to improve.

gain momentum

Implies increasing speed and force in making progress.

achieve results

Focuses on the tangible outcomes of progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "make headway" to describe progress being made despite challenges, such as, "The team is finally starting to make headway on the project despite the initial setbacks."

What are some alternatives to "make headway"?

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

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

"Make progress" is a more general term for advancing toward a goal. "Make headway" implies overcoming significant obstacles or resistance, so it's more appropriate when the progress is hard-won. However, both can be correct.

What does it mean to "make headway"?

To "make headway" means to advance or make progress, especially when facing difficulties. It suggests that you are starting to overcome challenges and move closer to your goal.