progress

USAGE SUMMARY

"progress" is a perfectly acceptable and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of making changes to something or improving it, such as in the sentence "The progress we have made in the past year is remarkable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead of judging schools according to how many pupils get five GCSEs at grade C or above, a new measure (Progress 8) will reflect every child's progress – from when they start school to when they finish.

The Guardian

That would be progress.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a work in progress.

The New York Times

Does that count as progress?

The New York Times

For a European island outpost with a population of just 330,000, it was a fairly heroic achievement from which they hope to progress by qualifying for Euro 2016.

The Guardian - Sport

At this G20 I brought together a crucial meeting between President Obama and fellow European leaders to insist on urgent progress on a comprehensive EU-US trade deal that could add £10bn to the UK economy alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since the two sides sat down to negotiate an end to Colombia's 50-year-old internal conflict, the negotiators have achieved more progress than any previous effort to broker peace.

The Guardian

Duncan has a mere six months to go, so it's worth checking out his progress.

The Guardian - Travel

While Aaron Swartz didn't live to see it, those who knew him, such as David Segal, the executive director of US organisation Demand Progress, say they have little doubt he would be "on the front lines fighting against a world in which governments observe, collect, and analyze our every digital action".

The Guardian - Tech

Some of it reflects perceptions of minority progress in both countries.

The Guardian

His selection of Andy Carroll was justified with the opening goal and, though Olof Mellberg's double reminds us this is still very much a work in progress, England have put themselves in a position of strength going into their final game in Donetsk on Tuesday.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "progress" to indicate forward movement toward a goal. For example: 'The project is showing steady progress toward completion.'

Common error

Avoid using "progress" vaguely. Always provide context to clarify what is progressing and in what area. For instance, instead of saying 'Progress was made', specify 'Significant progress was made in negotiations'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "progress" is as a noun, referring to advancement or improvement. Ludwig provides examples of "progress" used in various contexts, demonstrating its role in describing development and forward movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Travel

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "progress" is a versatile term used to denote advancement, improvement, or development in various contexts. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English, highlighting its common presence in news, sports, and opinion pieces. It is grammatically sound and carries a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal settings. Remember to use "progress" with specific context to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advancement

Focuses on the act of moving forward, often in a career or project.

development

Emphasizes growth and evolution over time.

improvement

Highlights the act of making something better or more efficient.

growth

Suggests an increase in size, number, or strength.

onward march

Implies continuous and determined advancement.

forward movement

Describes the act of physically or metaphorically moving ahead.

positive trend

Indicates a general direction of improvement or increase.

step forward

Signifies a specific action that advances a goal.

making headway

Suggests overcoming obstacles to move forward.

flourishing

Emphasizes thriving and successful development.

FAQs

How can I use "progress" in a sentence?

You can use "progress" to describe the act of moving forward or improving. For example, "The team is making significant "headway" on the project", or "Scientific "advancement" requires dedication and patience."

What are some synonyms for "progress"?

Synonyms for "progress" include ""advancement"", "development", "improvement", and "growth". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "making progress" or "doing progress"?

"Making progress" is the correct and more common phrase. "Doing progress" is not standard English usage.

What's the difference between "progress" and "success"?

"Progress" refers to the process of moving forward or improving, while "success" indicates the achievement of a goal or desired outcome. You can have progress without achieving complete "accomplishment".