make progress

USAGE SUMMARY

"make progress" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that progress has been made, or to express the desire for progress to be made. For example, you could say, "We're working hard to make progress towards our goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

make progress make progress opin.

The Washington Post

Some actually make progress.

The Economist

"We may make progress.

The New York Times

Real sciences make progress.

The New York Times

We did make progress.

The New York Times

"We always make progress.

The Guardian

Kristie did make progress.

The New York Times

Still, they make progress.

The New York Times - Arts

They cannot make progress.

The Guardian

So how to make progress?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I'm making progress".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make progress", clearly define the area in which progress is being made to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "make progress" without specifying the subject or goal. For example, instead of saying "We need to make progress", specify "We need to make progress on the budget negotiations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make progress" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of advancing or improving in a particular area. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts from personal development to global issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make progress" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression indicating advancement or improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. It's crucial to provide context when using this phrase to ensure clarity and avoid vagueness. Related phrases like "move forward" and "make headway" offer subtle nuances for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make headway

This idiom refers to making noticeable progress, especially when facing difficulties.

improve

This word highlights the enhancement of quality or condition.

advance

This term is a general synonym that emphasizes forward movement or improvement.

move forward

This phrase focuses on the direction of movement, implying a shift from one state to another.

come a long way

This idiom highlights the distance traveled and the significant progress achieved over time.

gain ground

This idiom suggests overcoming obstacles and achieving a stronger position.

get ahead

This phrase suggests surpassing others or achieving a competitive advantage.

develop

This term implies a gradual and complex process of growth and improvement.

forge ahead

This expression emphasizes determination and overcoming challenges in moving forward.

turn the corner

This phrase indicates a transition from a difficult period to a more positive one.

FAQs

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

You can use "make progress" to describe advancement toward a goal, as in, "The team is working hard to "make progress" on the project".

What are some alternatives to "make progress"?

Alternatives include "advance", "move forward", or "make headway", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make progress on" or "make progress in"?

Both "make progress on" and "make progress in" are correct, but "on" is typically used when referring to a specific task or project, while "in" is used for a broader area or field. For example, "make progress on the report" versus "make progress in mathematics".

What's the difference between "make progress" and "achieve progress"?

"Make progress" emphasizes the process of moving forward, while "achieve progress" focuses on the successful completion or attainment of a certain level of advancement. Consider the subtle nuance depending on whether you're focusing on effort versus results.