making any headway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making any headway" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe progress or advancement in a particular task or situation. Example: "Despite our efforts, we are not making any headway on the project due to unforeseen challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"We just weren't making any headway".

The New York Times

Its internal and external critics do not seem to be making any headway.

The Economist

"He's trying, but he's not making any headway," another Indians official said.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, it's the only alternative voting method that's making any headway at all in American public elections.

The New Yorker

On the contrary, numerous economies, such as the southern European countries and France, simply aren't making any headway.

The Guardian - Business

Yet they seem incapable of making any headway towards goals that are more ambitious but ultimately no less necessary.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Don't expect a Morsi presidency to make, "any headway on the principles of the revolution".

Huffington Post

Did I make any headway?

The Guardian

Only local government efforts made any headway.

The New York Times

But she couldn't make any headway.

The New York Times

Few of the children make any headway at school.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making any headway" to indicate whether efforts are resulting in noticeable advancement or progress toward a specific goal.

Common error

While "making any headway" is widely understood, consider more formal alternatives like "achieving progress" or "gaining ground" /s/gaining+ground in academic or professional contexts to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making any headway" functions as an idiomatic expression used to inquire about or describe the degree of progress achieved in a task or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "making any headway" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe or inquire about progress. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. While primarily found in news and media, it's versatile enough for informal and semi-formal settings. For highly formal writing, consider alternatives such as "achieving progress" or "gaining ground". This phrase effectively communicates whether efforts are translating into tangible advancement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making progress

A more general term for advancement or improvement.

gaining ground

Focuses on advancement, implying overcoming resistance or obstacles.

achieving progress

Emphasizes the successful attainment of advancement.

moving forward

Suggests progression, but not necessarily significant achievement.

advancing forward

Highlights the forward movement or progress being made.

making strides

Implies significant and noticeable progress.

getting anywhere

An informal way of expressing if progress is being made toward a goal.

getting ahead

Conveys advancement, often in a competitive context.

turning the corner

Suggests a shift from difficulty to improvement and progress.

on the right track

Implies being in a position that will lead to success or progress.

FAQs

What does "making any headway" mean?

The phrase "making any headway" means making progress or advancing in a particular situation or task. It implies that some effort is being put forth, and the question is whether that effort is leading to positive results.

How can I use "making any headway" in a sentence?

You can use "making any headway" to ask if progress is being made, or to state that progress is (or isn't) being made. For example: "Are we "making any headway" on this project?" or "Despite our efforts, we aren't "making any headway"."

What are some alternatives to "making any headway"?

Alternatives to "making any headway" include "gaining ground", "achieving progress", "making progress", or "advancing forward". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "making any headway" formal or informal?

"Making any headway" is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for both informal and many formal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, you might opt for phrases like "achieving progress" or "gaining ground" to maintain a more elevated tone.