progressed toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "progressed toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe moving forward or making advancements in a particular direction or goal. Example: "The team has progressed toward completing the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite similar rates of immunologic progression to subtype A-infected participants, subtype D-infected participants progressed toward faster virologic progression and had nearly twice the rate of clinical progression to AIDS.

AIDS

The domestic situation has not progressed toward a solution.

Yale University

Procaccini progressed toward a style of increasing and varied theatricality.

The New York Times - Arts

As he progressed toward the back, the room quieted.

The New Yorker

Research has steadily progressed toward enhanced safety, noise benefits, and lower costs.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The students of Palmas Academy, however, have already progressed toward their goal.

The New York Times - Arts

As the evening progressed toward its nail-biting conclusion, Mr. Belanger was soaking it all in.

The New York Times

We're made aware of how much the stage world has progressed toward modernity.

The New York Times - Arts

Europe progressed toward greater unity without developing a clear vision of its preferred place in the world, including its relationship with its long-standing American ally.

Britannica

Party theoreticians evolved the theory of "fusion of nations" that would be accompanied by the disappearance of national languages as Soviet society progressed toward communism.

Britannica

They said they began drinking beer at midafternoon Dec. 15, then progressed toward the collegiate trinity of Jägermeister, Southern Comfort and anything mixed with Red Bull.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "progressed toward" to emphasize gradual development or movement in a specific direction, indicating ongoing action rather than a completed transition.

Common error

Avoid using "progressed toward" excessively in passive constructions; active voice often creates a stronger, more direct statement. For example, instead of "Progress was progressed toward a solution", try "The team progressed toward a solution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "progressed toward" functions as a dynamic verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of moving or developing in a particular direction. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "progressed toward" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that indicates ongoing movement or development in a specific direction. According to Ludwig, it's widely employed across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and academic writing. While the phrase is versatile, careful attention should be paid to avoiding overuse in passive constructions and selecting the most appropriate alternative for nuanced expression. The phrase enjoys a neutral register, and is suitable for various kind of communication. Alternatives like "moved closer to" or "advanced towards" can be used for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moved closer to

Indicates a reduction in distance; suggests nearing something rather than actively moving towards it.

advanced towards

Implies more deliberate and purposeful movement than "progressed toward".

gravitated toward

Suggests a natural or inevitable pull towards something, often without conscious effort.

developed into

Focuses on the outcome of the progression, the end state that is being achieved.

evolved toward

Highlights a gradual change and adaptation over time.

tended toward

Suggests a leaning or inclination in a certain direction, rather than active movement.

shifted towards

Indicates a change in direction, a movement from one point to another.

made strides toward

Emphasizes significant advancements and effort in moving towards a goal.

headed in the direction of

More literal and descriptive of physical movement toward a destination.

journeyed towards

Implies a longer, more involved process of moving toward something.

FAQs

What does "progressed toward" mean?

The phrase "progressed toward" indicates movement or development in a specific direction or towards a particular goal. It suggests an ongoing process of advancement rather than a completed transition.

How can I use "progressed toward" in a sentence?

You can use "progressed toward" to describe how something is advancing or developing. For example, "The project "progressed toward" completion despite the challenges".

What are some alternatives to "progressed toward"?

Alternatives to "progressed toward" include phrases like "moved closer to", "advanced towards", or "developed into", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "progressed toward" and "moved towards"?

"Progressed toward" often implies a more deliberate and sustained effort than "moved towards", which can simply describe a change in position. While similar, "progressed toward" suggests a continuous development or evolution.