make progress on

USAGE SUMMARY

"make progress on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the act of achieving measurable improvement in a task or goal. For example, "My team has been working to make progress on the development of our new software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Students' final contributions will be to make progress on one of the problems.

Harvard University

make progress on tough issues.

The New York Times

But ministers could make progress on Wednesday.

The New York Times

"There's nothing to make progress on.

The New York Times - Sports

"It remains essential to make progress on substantive issues".

The New York Times

Labour tried to make progress on this issue, he says.

The Guardian

We conclude by discussing research directions that are necessary to make progress on Visipedia.

Pattern Recognition Letters

To make progress on low-income access, institutions need incentives to increase financial aid.

The New York Times

"We also want to continue to make progress on the civilian process," Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

Cameron on Wednesday was due to urge an EU summit to make progress on tax transparency.

The Guardian - Business

"He thought that there was no way to make progress on reform.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make progress on", ensure the object of the preposition is specific and measurable. For example, instead of "make progress on the project", say "make progress on the project's key milestones".

Common error

Avoid using "make progress on" with overly broad nouns. Replace phrases like "make progress on things" with more concrete terms like "make progress on specific goals" to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make progress on" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the action of advancing or improving in relation to a specific task, project, or issue. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used in written English to express measurable improvement, as evidenced by the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make progress on" is a versatile and widely used expression that signifies advancement or improvement in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, conveying the action of moving forward towards a goal. Alternatives like "advance on", "improve upon", and "make headway with" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. Remember to use specific and measurable objects to ensure clarity and avoid overuse of vague language. Overall, understanding these nuances allows for more effective communication and precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance on

This alternative implies forward movement or progression, often in a more general sense.

develop further

Suggests a more detailed or elaborate advancement.

move forward on

This alternative emphasizes the act of proceeding or advancing after a pause or obstacle.

gain ground on

This suggests achieving a better position, particularly against competition or opposition.

improve upon

Focuses on enhancing or making something better than its current state.

build upon

This suggests adding to an existing foundation or achievement.

make headway with

Indicates overcoming difficulties and achieving forward movement.

push forward with

Emphasizes determination and effort in advancing a project or goal.

forge ahead on

This emphasizes moving forward decisively, despite challenges.

take strides in

Implies making significant advancements or large improvements.

FAQs

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

You can use "make progress on" to describe advancement in a task, goal, or project. For example, "We need to "move forward on" the negotiations".

What are some alternatives to "make progress on"?

Alternatives include "advance on", "improve upon", or "make headway with", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "make progress in" instead of "make progress on"?

While "make progress in" is grammatically correct, "make progress on" is more commonly used when referring to a specific task or issue. Consider the nuance you want to convey to choose the most appropriate preposition.

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

"Make progress on" implies an ongoing effort, while "achieve progress on" suggests a completed stage of advancement. For example, "We are working to "make progress on" the software update", versus "We "achieved progress on" the design phase".