makes headway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes headway" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe progress or advancement in a particular task or situation. Example: "The team makes headway on the project despite the challenges they face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Mack, G. S. Epigenetic cancer therapy makes headway.

Nature

Meanwhile, I'm a little less wary than I was of Berg, who this week makes headway in the dam investigation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If the country makes headway in its fight against terrorism, these economists expected a resumption of spending by consumers.

The New York Times

Never mind though as Jane makes headway down the right, offloads inside to Savea and from 40m out the winger runs in unopposed for his hat-trick.

The Guardian - Sport

Some supporters of affirmative action hope that Justice O'Connor's 25-year time frame will protect affirmative action while the country makes headway in closing that rift.

The New York Times

It is expected that if the group makes headway into Aleppo, members of like-minded jihadi factions such as Ahrar al-Sham will defect and join its ranks.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

They clearly made headway.

The Economist

Neither has made headway.

The New York Times - Sports

But they are making headway.

The New York Times

"We are making headway.

The Guardian

They made headway.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes headway" to convey the idea of overcoming obstacles and achieving tangible advancement in a project or situation. For example: "The negotiations are making headway despite initial setbacks."

Common error

Avoid using "makes headway" when describing abstract concepts or feelings. It is best used for concrete progress or tangible achievements. For example, instead of saying "The discussion makes headway in understanding", try "The discussion enhances understanding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes headway" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is achieving progress or advancement. Ludwig AI confirms this, illustrating the phrase's usage in various contexts to denote forward movement despite potential obstacles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makes headway" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe progress, particularly when overcoming obstacles. Ludwig AI highlights its versatility across different contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. While there are several alternatives like "makes progress" and "gains ground", it's important to use it appropriately for tangible achievements rather than abstract concepts. With this guidance, you can confidently use "makes headway" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes progress

This alternative is a more general and widely understood way to express advancement.

gains ground

This alternative implies gradual advancement, especially against opposition.

moves forward

This alternative emphasizes the act of advancing from a starting point.

forges ahead

This alternative suggests determined and persistent progress.

advances

This alternative is a more formal and concise way to indicate progress.

improves

This alternative focuses on the enhancement or betterment of a situation.

develops

This alternative emphasizes growth and evolution over time.

achieves results

This alternative highlights the attainment of specific outcomes.

reaches milestones

This alternative emphasizes the accomplishment of significant steps.

pushes forward

This alternative suggests forceful effort to overcome obstacles and advance.

FAQs

How can I use "makes headway" in a sentence?

You can use "makes headway" to describe progress or advancement in a particular task or situation. For example, "The team "makes headway" on the project despite the challenges they face."

What can I say instead of "makes headway"?

You can use alternatives like "makes progress", "gains ground", or "moves forward" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "made headway" or "make headway"?

Both "made headway" and "make headway" are correct, depending on the tense you want to use. "Make headway" is present tense, while "made headway" is past tense.

What's the difference between "makes headway" and "makes progress"?

While both phrases indicate advancement, ""makes headway"" often implies overcoming obstacles, while "makes progress" is a more general term for improvement.