progressively closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "progressively closer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is moving or becoming nearer in a gradual manner over time. Example: "As the project progressed, the team found themselves progressively closer to achieving their goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Equally unfortunately it looks like that train wreck is getting progressively closer to happening.

Harvard Business Review

Succeeding spots appear progressively closer to the Sun's equator as the cycle reaches its maximum level of activity and declines.

Britannica

So we've gotten them progressively closer and closer to one another essentially by changing the chemistry of what's on the surface.

Cornell University

"With each flight test, we are progressively closer to our target of starting commercial service in 2014," said CEO George Whitesides.

The Guardian - Business

As you progress, the amount of running is increased and the number of walking bouts decreased, taking you progressively closer to continuous running.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If the dog does not react, it is rewarded, and the trigger — "the spider in a glass box," Dr. Burghardt calls it — is moved progressively closer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Around a year ago, the circle began to "progressively close in around Provenzano and his accomplices," Giuseppe Pisanu, the interior minister, said at the news conference.

The New York Times

But he said that as the vents on the cap are progressively closed, more oil should be captured, as long as the seal continues to hold.

The New York Times

The observed sequence of phase transformations involving different structurally related phases has been along the direction of progressively close packed structures.

Acta Materialia

The scenario postulates that during the Late Holocene, an alluvial fan, fed from the Geyikli valley, progressively closed a topographical constriction between the Aegean Sea and a supposed paleo-gulf that occupied the Lower Bakırçay Valley.

Quaternary International

The results showed that the fracture network within the EDZ was initially interconnected and opened for gas flow (particularly along the drift) and then progressively closed with the increasing mechanical stress applied on the drift wall.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "progressively closer" to describe a situation where there's a gradual reduction in distance or difference over time. For example, "The deadline is getting progressively closer, so we need to finalize the report."

Common error

Avoid using "progressively closer" when the change is sudden or immediate. This phrase implies a gradual transition, not an instantaneous shift. For example, don't say 'The light switched on progressively closer,' when you should say 'The light immediately switched on'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "progressively closer" is to act as an adverbial modifier describing the manner in which something approaches or nears. It modifies verbs and adjectives to specify a gradual change in proximity. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable presence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "progressively closer" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a gradual reduction in distance or difference. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. While grammatically sound and understandable, it's crucial to use it when describing gradual changes, not sudden shifts. As an alternative, consider "gradually approaching" or "steadily nearing". With a presence across diverse domains, from scientific literature to news articles, its neutral register makes it appropriate for a wide array of writing styles. It appears more frequently in scientific and news contexts, but should be used with care to precisely represent a step-by-step approach, as opposed to other ways that movement occurs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually approaching

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the approach.

steadily nearing

Highlights the constant and consistent decrease in distance.

increasingly proximate

A more formal way to express becoming nearer, suitable for technical contexts.

continually converging

Implies a meeting point or target that is being approached from different directions.

inching closer

Suggests slow and cautious progress.

drawing nearer

A more literary or figurative way of saying approaching.

moving incrementally closer

Focuses on the small steps taken to reduce the distance.

becoming progressively intimate

Focuses on the closeness and intimacy in a non-physical manner.

slowly advancing

Suggests a methodical and perhaps cautious movement forward.

approaching by degrees

Implies a measured and gradual approach, often used in formal settings.

FAQs

How can I use "progressively closer" in a sentence?

Use "progressively closer" to indicate a gradual decrease in distance or difference over time. For example, "As the negotiations continued, the two sides moved progressively closer to an agreement."

What are some alternatives to "progressively closer"?

You can use alternatives like "gradually approaching", "steadily nearing", or "increasingly proximate" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "progressively closer" in formal writing?

Yes, "progressively closer" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a gradual convergence or reduction of distance in a measured manner. However, consider alternatives like "increasingly proximate" for highly technical contexts.

What's the difference between "progressively closer" and "ever closer"?

"Progressively closer" emphasizes the gradual nature of the approach, while "ever closer" simply highlights the continuous reduction in distance without necessarily implying a smooth transition.