making slow progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making slow progress" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It generally means that something is moving or developing slowly. Example: Despite their best efforts, the team was only making slow progress on the project due to numerous technical difficulties.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

States are making slow progress.

The Economist

We're making slow progress!

The Guardian - Music

But the program is making slow progress.

The New York Times

Inside, the structure is filled with rubble and dust; the renovation has been making slow progress.

The New Yorker

The campaign is making slow progress; thousands dropped off those lists in the last few months.

The New York Times - Tech

The registration drive among Bangladeshi voters, he added, has been making slow progress.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But other exchanges are making slower progress.

The Economist

Microsoft, by most reports, is making slower progress.

The New York Times

But many other English learners here are making slower progress.

The New York Times

With diminishing resources, they are making slower progress on the goals of the current program.

The New York Times - Science

THE digital devices that rule modern life may be advancing at breakneck speed, but the rechargeable batteries that power them are making slower progress.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "making slow progress", consider specifying the factors contributing to the slow pace. For instance, mention challenges, obstacles, or complexities involved in the process.

Common error

Avoid using "making slow progress" when there is virtually no advancement. Ensure there is at least some degree of forward movement, however minimal, to justify the phrase's usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making slow progress" functions as a verb phrase, with "making" acting as the main verb and "slow progress" serving as the object. This construction is used to describe the action of advancing or developing at a reduced pace. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making slow progress" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe advancement that is occurring at a reduced pace. As Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, this phrase commonly appears in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's helpful to specify the factors contributing to the slow pace and to avoid overstating minimal or non-existent advancement. Alternatives like "advancing at a snail's pace" or "inching forward" can provide nuanced variations of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressing gradually

This alternative directly replaces "slow" with "gradually", maintaining a similar meaning.

inching forward

This alternative suggests very small increments of progress.

making incremental gains

This alternative emphasizes the small and steady nature of the improvements.

advancing at a snail's pace

This alternative uses a metaphor to emphasize the slowness of the progress.

taking baby steps

This alternative uses an idiom to illustrate very small and cautious progress.

gaining ground slowly

This alternative implies a struggle to achieve progress.

experiencing limited advancement

This alternative focuses on the limited nature of the progress.

barely getting ahead

This alternative stresses the minimal nature of the advancement.

seeing minimal results

This alternative focuses on the limited outcomes or achievements.

having a hard time moving forward

This alternative highlights the difficulty in making progress.

FAQs

How can I use "making slow progress" in a sentence?

You can use "making slow progress" to describe situations where advancement is happening, but at a reduced pace. For example: "The negotiations are making slow progress due to ongoing disagreements.".

What are some alternatives to "making slow progress"?

You can use alternatives like "advancing at a snail's pace", "inching forward", or "progressing gradually" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "makes slow progress" instead of "making slow progress"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they have different usages. "Makes slow progress" is typically used to describe a general tendency or characteristic, while "making slow progress" describes a current or ongoing situation.

What's the difference between "making slow progress" and "making great progress"?

"Making slow progress" indicates that advancement is occurring at a reduced pace, while "making great progress" indicates significant and rapid advancement.