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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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making inroads

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making inroads" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to describe any progress made in an area, usually over a long period of time. For example, "Thanks to the progress made in the past decade, renewable energy sources have been making inroads into the global energy mix."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm making inroads".

News & Media

The New Yorker

Google is only making inroads.

Obama is making inroads".

News & Media

The New York Times

She was making inroads into their savings.

News & Media

The New Yorker

But Bilbao is making inroads here, too.

But Asian banks are making inroads.

News & Media

The New York Times

Aldi is also making inroads in America.

News & Media

The Economist

African craftsmen are making inroads in fashion.

News & Media

The Economist

Renewable energy is making inroads in Argentina.

News & Media

The Guardian

Smaller companies are making inroads too.

Emerging-market firms are making inroads into European corporate life.

News & Media

The Economist
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making inroads" to describe gradual progress in competitive or challenging situations. It is especially fitting when discussing market penetration, scientific advancements, or political influence.

Common error

Avoid using "making inroads" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "making progress" or "getting somewhere" to maintain a natural tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

"Making inroads" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that someone or something is starting to have a noticeable effect or influence. This expression is frequently used to describe advancements in a competitive or challenging environment. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "making inroads" is a versatile expression used to describe the process of achieving progress, particularly in challenging or competitive contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and very commonly used. Its usage spans various domains, including news, business, and science, indicating its broad applicability. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as the degree of difficulty or the nature of the advancement. Remember to avoid using "making inroads" in informal settings, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making progress

This is a more general and versatile alternative, suitable for a wider range of contexts. It focuses on the overall forward movement.

making headway

This alternative implies overcoming obstacles and difficulties to move forward. It is slightly more informal than "making inroads".

gaining ground

This alternative suggests a gradual advancement, emphasizing the process of overcoming resistance or competition. It is less formal than "making inroads".

making advances

This suggests significant forward movement, often in a competitive or challenging environment. It carries a slightly stronger connotation of success.

advancing steadily

This alternative emphasizes a consistent and gradual progression, highlighting the reliability and continuity of the forward movement.

achieving advancements

This alternative highlights the accomplishment of specific improvements or developments. It's more formal and emphasizes concrete results.

gaining a foothold

Implies establishing a secure position or presence, often in a competitive or challenging market. It emphasizes the initial stage of progress.

getting somewhere

This is a more informal and colloquial alternative, implying that progress is being made but without specifying the extent or nature of the advancement.

making an impact

Focuses on the effect of the progress, highlighting the influence or significance of the advancements made. It shifts the emphasis from the process to the outcome.

making a dent

This alternative suggests a small but noticeable impact or progress in a particular area, useful when the advancement is limited.

FAQs

How can I use "making inroads" in a sentence?

The phrase "making inroads" typically describes progress being made, often in a competitive situation. For example, "Renewable energy is "making inroads" in the energy sector."

What are some alternatives to "making inroads"?

You can use alternatives like "gaining ground", "making progress", or "achieving advancements" depending on the specific context.

Is "making inroads" formal or informal?

The phrase "making inroads" is generally considered more formal and is suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts. Simpler phrases are preferable for casual settings.

What's the difference between "making inroads" and "making progress"?

"Making progress" is a general term for any kind of forward movement. "Making inroads", on the other hand, suggests progress specifically in overcoming challenges or penetrating a market. So "making inroads" implies more difficulty than simply "making progress".

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Source & Trust

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: