more gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

"more gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is happening at a continual, slower pace. For example: The sun began to set more gradually as the night began to come.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rural life changed more gradually.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Science progresses more gradually, however.

The Guardian

Others reveal themselves more gradually.

The New York Times

It increases in difficulty more gradually.

The New York Times

Others come into being more gradually.

The New York Times - Books

Others are making the switch more gradually.

The New York Times

Not as explosively, but more gradually.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We could enter the workforce more gradually and exit more gradually.

Harvard Business Review

Start more gradually, with lots of positive reinforcement.

Harvard University

We should have fought our battles more gradually".

The Guardian

The fees could be raised, but more gradually.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process that should not be rushed, use "more gradually" to emphasize the importance of a slow, steady approach. For example, "Introduce new policies more gradually to minimize disruption".

Common error

Avoid using "more gradually" in very casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "slowly" or "bit by bit" might sound more natural. Reserve it for situations where you need to convey a deliberate and measured pace.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more gradually" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the manner in which a verb or action is performed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates that something happens at a slower, continuous pace. The examples show it modifies verbs related to change, development, and implementation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more gradually" is a versatile adverbial phrase that means something is happening at a continual, slower pace. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. It is frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia, to emphasize a deliberate and controlled pace of change. When aiming for precision and a measured tone, consider using "more gradually" to convey a carefully managed progression. Be mindful of overusing it in casual conversations, where simpler alternatives may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a slower pace

Focuses on the speed of the process, emphasizing a reduced rate of change.

in a progressive fashion

Highlights the forward-moving and developing nature of the change.

in a more measured way

Highlights the controlled and deliberate nature of the progression.

in incremental steps

Emphasizes the small, progressive nature of the changes.

over a longer period

Shifts the emphasis to the time frame involved in the change.

by degrees

Suggests a gradual progression through successive stages.

with less intensity

Implies a reduction in the force or strength of the change.

in a staged manner

Indicates that the process is broken down into distinct phases or steps.

with increasing deliberation

Emphasizes thoughtfulness and care with which the change is implemented.

with a tapering effect

Suggests a gradual decrease in intensity or impact over time.

FAQs

How can I use "more gradually" in a sentence?

You can use "more gradually" to describe a process or change that happens slowly over time. For example, "The company adopted the new software "more gradually" to ensure a smooth transition".

What are some alternatives to "more gradually"?

Some alternatives include "at a slower pace", "in a "more measured way"", "over a longer period", or "in incremental steps".

Is there a difference between "gradually" and "more gradually"?

"Gradually" means something happens slowly over time. "More gradually" implies a comparison, suggesting something is happening even slower than some other reference point or expectation. For example, "The economy recovered gradually, but the unemployment rate declined "more gradually" than expected".

When is it appropriate to use "more gradually" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a change or process is occurring at a slower rate than it otherwise might, or slower than some comparative rate. It's particularly useful in formal and technical writing to convey precision.