progress of a kind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'progress of a kind' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express that while certain progress or development has been made in a given situation, it is not as much or as rapid as you might have hoped. Example: "Although there has been progress of a kind, the project is still behind schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Progress of a kind.

The Guardian

This is progress of a kind.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"That's progress of a kind," I said, and Ganesh agreed.

The New Yorker

Still, in Sierra Leone a veiled threat is progress of a kind.

The Economist

Nevertheless, too-big-to-fail would be progress of a kind for the Chinese financial system.

The Economist

To that modest extent, there has been progress of a kind.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But this will be progress of a familiar kind, raising as many questions as it answers.The idea of a banking union is to break the feedback loop between weak banks and weak governments.

The Economist

Key Israeli and Palestinian officials were trying to create a detailed, permanent record of the talks' progress -- "a kind of formal or informal 'deposit,' as was done in negotiations with Syria and elsewhere, for the collective memory of the two societies," Mr. Moratinos said.

The New York Times

So that any progress of a generally applicable kind can be made, approximations are necessary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gray dismisses modern rationalism, with its faith in human progress, as a kind of Gnosticism made from "scraps of decayed Christianity," whose central myth is that knowledge will set us free.

The New Yorker

Ever since, students have been seen as at the vanguard of progress and as a kind of national conscience.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with context that clarifies the specific limitations or qualifications associated with the "progress of a kind". This prevents ambiguity and ensures readers understand the scope of the advancement.

Common error

Avoid using "progress of a kind" when the actual advancement is substantial or transformative. The phrase implies a degree of limitation, so reserve it for situations where progress is incremental or has caveats.

Linguistic Context

"Progress of a kind" functions as a qualifier, specifically an adjective phrase modifying an implied noun. It indicates that while advancement has occurred, it is limited, partial, or somehow qualified. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in acknowledging advancement with reservations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "progress of a kind" serves as a nuanced qualifier, acknowledging advancement while highlighting its limitations. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's accurate usage, marking it as grammatically correct and appropriate for expressing measured optimism. It's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts and carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. Related phrases like ""limited progress"" and ""modest advancement"" offer similar nuances. Remember to use it when you want to provide a realistic assessment, recognizing improvements without overstating their significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a degree of progress

Implies a measurable but not necessarily significant improvement.

a certain level of progress

Highlights that the progress achieved is real but not outstanding.

limited progress

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the advancement.

partial improvement

Focuses on the incomplete nature of the positive change.

modest advancement

Highlights the small scale of the development.

incremental gains

Stresses the gradual and small-scale nature of the progress.

some headway

Indicates forward movement, but potentially slow or difficult.

steps in the right direction

It emphasizes the direction of the progress, rather than the magnitude.

qualified success

Suggests achievement tempered by certain limitations or reservations.

relative advancement

Indicates progress is measured in relation to a specific baseline or comparison.

FAQs

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

You can use "progress of a kind" to describe a situation where some advancement has been made, but it is limited or not entirely satisfactory. For example: "Although there has been "progress of a kind" in negotiations, significant obstacles remain."

What are some alternatives to "progress of a kind"?

Alternatives include "limited progress", "modest advancement", or "some headway". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "progress of a kind" always positive?

While "progress" generally implies a positive direction, "progress of a kind" acknowledges that the improvement may be qualified or incomplete. It suggests a cautious optimism rather than outright celebration.

When is it appropriate to use "progress of a kind"?

Use "progress of a kind" when you want to recognize positive change while also indicating that there are still limitations, challenges, or reasons for caution. It's suitable for situations where improvement is incremental or not fully realized.