mark of progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mark of progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a sign or indication that advancement or improvement has been made in a particular area. Example: "The new policies implemented by the company are a clear mark of progress towards a more inclusive workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

This is the true mark of progress.

The New York Times - Sports

Impermanence had become a mark of progress, not of decay.

The New York Times - Magazine

What was breathtaking has become boring — that is the mark of progress.

The New Yorker

This sounds very different from the Conservative Party of the past, and is a mark of progress.

Independent

It is a mark of progress that debate now focuses on how to improve and develop science further.

The Guardian

The incremental entrenchment of new rights in law, as a mark of progress towards a better society, dates back to just after the first world war.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Judge Dumanis's campaign manager, Kevin Tilden, said it was a mark of social progress that homosexuality was not an issue in the campaign, even in a city with so conservative a reputation.

The New York Times

Linked to the international payment system only late last year, hundreds of ATMs around the country can now be used on Visa's payments system.The cash machines are a mark of real progress.

The Economist

Its lack of serious political confrontation — not necessarily radical activism, but maybe passionate rationalism, as seen, for instance, in Frederick Wiseman's "At Berkeley" — leaves its sympathetic viewers thinking that their sympathy is enough, that the mere existence of the film, and their enthusiasm for it, is a mark of social progress.

The New Yorker

"The fact that this referendum is now to take place is a mark of the progress that has taken place in this country in recent years and decades, and indicates the extent to which attitudes to lesbian and gay people have changed," Burton said in Government Buildings.

The Guardian

The citizens of Ōsaka once took pride in its smoky atmosphere as a mark of industrial progress, calling it the "Capital of Smoke" ("Kemuri no miyako"); but by the mid-1970s the city's smog and air pollution were seen as harmful, and since then there has been noticeable improvement in the region's air quality.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mark of progress", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being advanced or improved. Provide specific details to support the claim of progress.

Common error

Avoid using "mark of progress" in overly abstract or philosophical discussions where the tangible benefits of the progress are unclear. Instead, ground the phrase in concrete examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mark of progress" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something as a symbol or indicator of advancement or improvement. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig, which shows examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mark of progress" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted way to describe something that indicates advancement or improvement. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to highlight a positive development, often in the context of social, political, or technological advancements. While Ludwig indicates its register is generally neutral, it leans towards professional use. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides clear evidence of progress. Alternatives such as "sign of advancement" or "indicator of improvement" can be used for variety. However, "mark of progress" should be used judiciously in abstract contexts, as grounding it in concrete examples will add strength and clarity to the point being made.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sign of advancement

Replaces "mark" with "sign" and "progress" with "advancement", focusing on the forward movement.

indicator of improvement

Shifts from a symbolic "mark" to a more direct "indicator", highlighting the positive change or betterment.

evidence of development

Substitutes "progress" with "development", emphasizing the growth or evolution aspect.

step forward

A more concise and direct way of indicating advancement. It focuses on the action of moving ahead.

a move in the right direction

Similar to "step forward" but emphasizes the correctness or appropriateness of the advancement.

a leap towards betterment

Implies a significant advancement, suggesting a substantial improvement.

a positive development

Highlights the favorable nature of the change, focusing on its beneficial impact.

a forward stride

Emphasizes the energetic and determined nature of the advancement.

a sign of evolution

Highlights that the advancement is a part of a larger process of evolving over time.

an advancement milestone

Showcases the progress as a turning point or critical achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "mark of progress" in a sentence?

You can use "mark of progress" to indicate a sign or indication that advancement or improvement has been made in a particular area. For example: "The new policies implemented by the company are a clear "mark of progress" towards a more inclusive workplace".

What can I say instead of "mark of progress"?

You can use alternatives like "sign of advancement", "indicator of improvement", or "evidence of development" depending on the context.

Is "mark of progress" the same as "sign of progress"?

While similar, "sign of progress" might imply a more immediate or obvious indication, whereas "mark of progress" can suggest a more symbolic or representative indication of advancement. They are largely interchangeable, but nuance exists.

When is it appropriate to use "mark of progress"?

It is appropriate to use "mark of progress" when you want to highlight a specific achievement or development that signifies advancement in a particular field, situation, or endeavor. Ensure the context provides clear evidence of the positive change.