makes progress

USAGE SUMMARY

"makes progress" is a correct and commonly-used phrase in written English.
It indicates development in some manner and can be used in a wide variety of contexts. For example, "John has made significant progress in his language studies this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A progressive is someone who makes progress".

The New Yorker

But she added a definition -- "a progressive is someone who makes progress" -- intended to put down Sanders as an unrealistic dreamer and elevate herself as a planner.

Los Angeles Times

"I'm not making promises that I cannot keep," she said, later adding that a true progressive was "someone who makes progress".

Los Angeles Times

But this very closeness makes progress harder.

The Economist

If China makes progress, then we must recognize it.

The New York Times

"He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out".

The Guardian

If he makes progress, the graves of his father and grandfather will be duly honoured.

The Economist

Seismology, for example, makes progress through better instruments, improved theories or more frequent earthquakes.

The Economist

If Mr Papandreou makes progress in Ankara, Mr Tsochatzopoulos should soon be back on side.

The Economist

If the S.B.A. makes progress, that's great — but the problems are bigger than the S.B.A.

The New York Times

There is widely held view that the EU makes progress only at times of crisis.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes progress" to emphasize the act of moving forward, especially when highlighting effort and ongoing development.

Common error

Avoid pairing "makes progress" with generic verbs. For instance, instead of saying "slowly makes progress", try quantifying progress, e.g. "makes significant progress" or specifying the domain, e.g. "makes progress in research".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes progress" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the act of advancing or improving, as exemplified by Ludwig: "If China "makes progress", then we must recognize it."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "makes progress" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase indicating advancement and development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, science, and business. While generally neutral in register, you can tailor it with more specific language to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like ""shows improvement"" or ""advances forward"" offer nuanced substitutes depending on the desired emphasis. Remember, ""makes progress"" refers to ongoing development, distinguishing it from a discrete breakthrough.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advances forward

Emphasizes the direction of the progress, suggesting movement ahead.

shows improvement

Highlights the visible evidence and positive changes resulting from the progress.

achieves gains

Focuses on the positive outcomes and accomplishments resulting from the progress.

improves steadily

Highlights the consistent and gradual nature of the progress.

develops positively

Indicates a favorable evolution or growth in a particular area.

moves onward

Stresses the continuation of progress despite potential obstacles.

grows continually

Focuses on the ongoing and sustained nature of the advancement.

realizes advancements

Highlights the achievements and steps forward that are attained.

gains traction

Suggests increasing momentum and effectiveness in the progress.

gets ahead

Implies surpassing previous levels or competitors through progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "makes progress" to describe advancement or improvement in a particular area, such as "The team "makes progress" on the project daily", or "She "makes progress" in her studies".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "makes progress"?

Alternatives include "shows improvement", "advances forward", or "achieves gains" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

"Make progress" is used with plural subjects or "I/you", while "makes progress" is used with singular subjects (he/she/it). For example, "They make progress" vs. "He "makes progress"".

What's the difference between "makes progress" and "achieves a breakthrough"?

"Makes progress" implies gradual improvement, while "achieves a breakthrough" suggests a sudden, significant advancement. Progress is continuous, whereas a breakthrough is a discrete event.