parcel by parcel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "parcel by parcel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of dealing with items or tasks one at a time, focusing on each individual parcel or unit. Example: "The shipment will be processed parcel by parcel to ensure accuracy in delivery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Parcel by parcel, it said, Harlem was finally being remade.

The New York Times - Arts

They contend commercial development has always moved parcel by parcel, block by block.

The New York Times

Parcel by parcel, uptown is being remade, fueled in part by the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation and the state's Metropolitan Economic Revitalization Fund.

The New York Times

Anyway, I've said that we are going to review parcel by parcel Western lands to determine the cost-benefit ratio for America.

The New York Times

He quietly bought the sliver of land, then derelict, from an individual property owner after the city of Hoboken had acquired the rest of the property known as 1600 Park Avenue, parcel by parcel, under pressure from civic groups to increase public open space.

The New York Times

Mr. Mektiri's adversary, omnipresent but unseen in the documentary, is Patrick Guerrand-Hermès Guerrand-Hermèspreneur, real esportsdentrepreneur foreal prestatet of the International Polo Fedeveloperwho, since andiving in Sidi Mghait over 10 years ago, has acquired, parcel by parcel, all the land surrounding the Mektiri former

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"We develop specific fire threat assessments on a parcel-by-parcel basis," Mr. Malone told the newspaper.

The New York Times

The feasibility of retaining the minimum amount of terrestrial habitat needed by R. aurora is challenging since decisions are made on a managed parcel-by-parcel basis in an urbanizing landscape (Baldwin et al. 2006).

Ecological Processes

The library also sends books all over the country by parcel post.

The New Yorker

Addresses that could not be geocoded to a specific parcel were geocoded to the closest parcel by street number.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

For the study, Auerbach classified rat sightings by parcels of land in the city.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "parcel by parcel" to emphasize a deliberate, methodical approach to handling individual items or tasks within a larger process. It's effective when highlighting attention to detail and step-by-step progression.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "parcel by parcel" can sound overly formal or repetitive in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "one at a time" or "bit by bit" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "parcel by parcel" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It emphasizes a methodical, step-by-step approach. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverbial phrase "parcel by parcel" describes a gradual and methodical approach, suitable for highlighting step-by-step processes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across news, science, and wiki sources, though it's less common in business or informal settings. While grammatically sound, simpler alternatives like "one at a time" may be preferable in casual contexts. Use "parcel by parcel" to emphasize attention to detail and avoid overuse in informal conversation. In summary, the phrase is correct, usable, and effective for conveying deliberate progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bit by bit

Replaces "parcel" with "bit", focusing on the incremental nature of the progress.

step by step

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the process, focusing on individual actions.

piece by piece

Uses "piece" instead of "parcel", highlighting the construction or assembly aspect.

one at a time

Highlights the focus on individual items in a sequence.

section by section

Focuses on the division of a whole into parts that are addressed separately.

block by block

Focuses on spatial progression, similar to "parcel by parcel" in a geographical or urban planning context.

incrementally

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb, making it more concise.

gradually

Similar to "incrementally", but with a slightly broader sense of slow and steady progress.

in stages

Emphasizes that the process occurs in distinct phases.

acre by acre

Specifies units of land instead of the more general "parcel", maintaining the idea of gradual accumulation or coverage.

FAQs

What does "parcel by parcel" mean?

The phrase "parcel by parcel" means dealing with something in a step-by-step manner, focusing on each individual part or unit separately and methodically.

How can I use "parcel by parcel" in a sentence?

You can use "parcel by parcel" to describe a gradual process. For example: "The land was developed "parcel by parcel" over several years."

Are there alternatives to "parcel by parcel"?

Yes, some alternatives to "parcel by parcel" include "bit by bit", "step by step", or "piece by piece". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "parcel by parcel" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, "parcel by parcel" tends to lean towards the formal side. In more casual settings, using alternatives like "one at a time" might be more appropriate.