make incremental progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make incremental progress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing gradual improvements or advancements in a particular area or project. Example: "By implementing small changes over time, we can make incremental progress towards our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Meanwhile, Gambetti's lab began to make incremental progress in understanding the disease.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I expect this to be a journey where we continue to make incremental progress," she said.

The New York Times

But Republicans say they can make incremental progress without the economic costs they contend the Democratic plans pose to the nation.

The New York Times

In following the scientific process, it is often more difficult to prove something than to disprove it, so many scientists make incremental progress by disproving a series of smaller null hypotheses.

The New York Times

The most revered members of this institution accepted the necessity of compromise in order to make incremental progress on solving America's problems and to defend her from her adversaries".

The New Yorker

Mr McCain spoke at the institute's opening, recalling shouting matches with Kennedy, and mourning him as a friend who knew how to make "incremental progress on the problems of our time".That is where heartbreak intrudes, when watching teenage mock-senators trying to craft laws which might do some good.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But the Islanders have made incremental progress in other areas.

The New York Times - Sports

High-achieving students might be making incremental progress — but is this new?

The New York Times

Transportation officials in the region say they are making incremental progress in improving road conditions.

The New York Times

We experimented with a number of different processes over the years, each time making incremental progress.

The Economist

Then Mr. Clinton adjusted and focused more on making incremental progress toward his goals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for long-term objectives, break them down into smaller tasks to "make incremental progress". This approach makes the overall goal less daunting and more achievable.

Common error

Avoid using "make incremental progress" when describing an event that has a substantial, immediate impact. This phrase is best suited for situations where progress is gradual and continuous, not sudden or revolutionary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make incremental progress" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of gradually moving forward or improving. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates a step-by-step advancement rather than a sudden leap.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make incremental progress" describes gradual advancement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news, media and scientific contexts. While not suitable for describing immediate or revolutionary changes, this phrase is perfect for underscoring the value of consistency and perseverance toward long-term goals. When describing similar ideas, remember to consider the alternatives such as "advance gradually" or "progress steadily" to further refine your writing. By understanding its appropriate use and potential pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "make incremental progress" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance gradually

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the advancement.

progress steadily

Highlights the consistent and unwavering nature of the progression.

achieve gradual improvement

Focuses on the improvement aspect of the progress.

move forward bit by bit

Emphasizes the small, individual steps taken.

gain ground slowly

Uses a metaphor to describe the gradual advancement.

develop gradually

Stresses the development aspect of the progress.

make headway gradually

Focuses on overcoming obstacles slowly.

take small steps forward

Highlights the cautious and deliberate nature of the advancement.

inch forward

Emphasizes very small movements forward.

slowly but surely advance

Emphasizes the certainty of advancement, even if slow.

FAQs

How can I use "make incremental progress" in a sentence?

You can use "make incremental progress" when describing situations where you're achieving gradual improvements or advancements over time. For example, "The team continues to "make incremental progress" on the project, even with the challenges they face."

What are some alternatives to "make incremental progress"?

Alternatives include phrases like "advance gradually", "progress steadily", or "achieve gradual improvement". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to aim for incremental progress or a sudden breakthrough?

The ideal approach depends on the context. Incremental progress is often more sustainable and manageable in the long run, while a sudden breakthrough can provide a significant leap forward but may not always be achievable or maintainable. Both approaches can be valuable in different situations.

What's the difference between "make incremental progress" and "make significant progress"?

"Make incremental progress" suggests small, gradual steps forward, while "make significant progress" indicates more substantial and noticeable advancements. Use "make incremental progress" when the changes are subtle and continuous, and "make significant progress" when the changes are more pronounced.