make strides

USAGE SUMMARY

"make strides" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean "to make progress" or "to make progress toward a goal." Example: The company has made strides in recent years toward becoming more environmentally friendly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is trying to make strides.

The New York Times

Several research projects are expecting to make strides next year.

The New York Times - Health

"We just have to continue to improve and make strides".

The New York Times - Sports

But each year you have to continue to make strides and continue to learn".

The New York Times - Sports

If we continue to make strides, there's no way we won't be a playoff team".

The New York Times - Sports

He said the party still needed to make strides to compete with the Democratic Party.

The New York Times

But the city will have to make strides in other areas as well.

The New York Times

UC Berkeley could also make strides with another measure, namely procurement.

University of California, Berkeley

And you'll welcome how easy it is to make strides without sacrifice.

Harvard University

The Program has continued to make strides in areas of lung cancer susceptibility using molecular epidemiology.

Harvard University

In the meantime, the Taliban continue to make strides across the tribal regions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make strides" when you want to emphasize significant progress or improvement in a particular area. For example, "The company has made strides in customer satisfaction by implementing new support strategies."

Common error

Avoid using "make strides" to describe situations where there is no actual progress. For instance, saying "We hope to make strides in this project, even though we haven't started" misrepresents the phrase's core meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make strides" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a sentence to describe the action of making significant progress or advancement. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples, where the phrase is consistently used to illustrate improvements in various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make strides" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies substantial progress or improvement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. While synonyms like ""make headway"" or ""gain ground"" offer similar meanings, "make strides" often emphasizes more significant or noticeable advancements. The key is to use it accurately, avoiding situations where actual progress is lacking. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively convey positive developments using this versatile phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make progress

A direct synonym, but "make strides" often suggests more significant or noticeable advancement.

make headway

Similar to "make strides", but it emphasizes overcoming obstacles and moving forward despite difficulties.

gain ground

Focuses on increasing one's position or advantage, often in a competitive context.

forge ahead

Implies determination and pushing forward, even if encountering difficulties.

advance

A more general term for moving forward, without necessarily implying great effort or overcoming obstacles.

move forward

A basic and straightforward way to express progress, lacking the nuanced implication of significant improvement.

turn the corner

Suggests a pivotal moment where progress becomes more apparent and sustainable.

improve

Focuses on the act of becoming better, where "make strides" focuses on the action of progressing.

develop

Implies a gradual and complex process of growth and advancement.

scale up

Specifically refers to increasing the size or scope of an operation or project.

FAQs

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

You can use "make strides" to describe significant progress or advancements in a particular area. For example, "The research team is "making strides" in cancer treatment."

What are some alternatives to "make strides"?

Alternatives to "make strides" include "make headway", "gain ground", or "make progress". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

"Make strides" and "make progress" are similar, but "make strides" often implies more significant or noticeable advancements than simply "make progress".

Can "make strides" be used in a negative context?

No, "make strides" is generally used in a positive context to describe improvements or advancements. It would not be appropriate to use it when describing a decline or lack of progress.