make much progress

USAGE SUMMARY

"make much progress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are talking about improving on something or achieving something. For example: "Although I have been studying hard for the exam, I haven't been able to make much progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Poincaré didn't make much progress on proving the conjecture.

The New Yorker

Until then, reformers are unlikely to make much progress.

The New York Times

But even there, he did not make much progress because of opposition by Washington.

The New York Times

Despite her problems, most of her opponents have failed to make much progress.

The Economist

It's hard to make much progress when reciprocal distrust is this extreme.

The New York Times

Despite those warnings, the special committee has been unable to make much progress.

The New York Times

Reading the datasheet of the LCD controller did not help us make much progress.

Cornell University

If you are afraid to afraid to try something crazy, you don't make much progress.

Cornell University

Armed with more facts, Menéndez's narrator returns to Cuba, but doesn't make much progress.

The New York Times - Books

The owners also did not make much progress in resolving their internal argument over revenue sharing.

The New York Times

The rain won't make much progress northward into New England until midafternoon.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing progress, consider using "make much progress" to convey a sense of meaningful advancement. It's suitable for situations where tangible improvement is observed but not necessarily a complete resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "make much progress" when the actual advancement is minimal. Using phrases like "made slight progress" or "took initial steps" may be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make much progress" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used within a clause to describe the act of achieving significant advancement or improvement. It is often used to denote positive development, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make much progress" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe substantial advancement or improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the level of progress aligns with the phrase's connotation of significant gain. Alternatives like "achieve significant advancement" or "gain considerable ground" can offer nuanced variations, depending on the specific context. Overall, "make much progress" is a valuable tool for effectively communicating positive development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improve considerably

Indicates a marked betterment or enhancement in quality or condition.

advance substantially

Focuses on the degree of forward movement or development.

make substantial headway

Suggests overcoming obstacles and moving forward effectively.

make considerable strides

Implies making significant improvements or advances in a particular area.

gain considerable ground

Highlights the idea of advancing or improving one's position or status.

move forward significantly

Highlights the action of progressing towards a goal in a notable way.

achieve significant advancement

Emphasizes the attainment of a notable level of development or achievement.

build on accomplishments

Focuses on expanding on existing successes and achievements.

forge ahead successfully

Emphasizes a determined and prosperous advancement.

accelerate development

Highlights speeding up the process of growth or advancement.

FAQs

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

You can use "make much progress" to describe a situation where there is noticeable improvement, such as: "Despite the challenges, the team was able to "make much progress" on the project."

What are some alternatives to "make much progress"?

Some alternatives include "achieve significant advancement", "gain considerable ground", or "advance substantially", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "making much progress"?

Yes, "making much progress" is a grammatically correct and frequently used form, often appearing in progressive tenses, such as: "We are "making much progress" towards our goals."

What's the difference between "make much progress" and "make little progress"?

"Make much progress" indicates substantial improvement or advancement, whereas "make little progress" suggests minimal or insignificant gains. They represent opposite ends of the progress spectrum.