progressively greater

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "progressively greater" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increase or escalation in magnitude, intensity, or degree over time or in a sequence. Example: "The study revealed that participants experienced progressively greater levels of stress as the deadline approached."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This follows a principle of progressive universalism combining universal services with progressively greater support in relation to need.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

As World War I progressed, both sides, but particularly the Germans, developed trench systems of progressively greater depth and strength in order to ensure that the enemy could not achieve a breakthrough at any particular point.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Airbus has made progressively greater use of composites.

The New York Times

"Why was he allowed to put the public at progressively greater risk?

The Guardian

But Yun has deep pockets and expects to put up more money for progressively greater feats.

The Guardian

My goal has been getting progressively greater and greater, so I was really looking forward to come to this meet".

The New York Times - Sports

But analysts have since given progressively greater weight to other considerations.

The Economist

As described to environmental groups, the rules would require progressively greater reductions in average emissions, reaching 30percentt in the 2015 model year.

The New York Times

This could lead to progressively more eating of western diet based on progressively greater deterioration of hippocampal function.

Independent

Each additional species lost from these grasslands has a progressively greater effect on the drought-resistance of the community.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Changes in 1891 led to progressively greater power's being held by locally elected officials, but reforms in 1928 invested all power in the governor and the Colonial Office.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid redundant phrases. For example, instead of saying "progressively greater and greater", streamline it to just "progressively greater" as it already implies a continuous increase.

Common error

Avoid using "progressively greater" to describe static or unchanging attributes. This phrase implies a change over time, so ensure the attribute you're describing is actually increasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "progressively greater" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a gradual increase in the magnitude, intensity, or degree of the noun it modifies. Ludwig's examples highlight its common use in describing trends and developments across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "progressively greater" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that describes a gradual and continuous increase. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is particularly prevalent in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a formal and professional register. When using "progressively greater", ensure that the context clearly indicates a sequence or process where the increase happens gradually, and avoid using it to describe static attributes or abrupt changes. Alternative phrases include "increasingly larger" or "gradually more significant", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly larger

Focuses on the size aspect of the increase, emphasizing physical dimensions or quantity.

gradually more significant

Highlights the growing importance or impact of something over time.

steadily escalating

Implies a consistent and measurable increase, often in a negative context like conflict or costs.

ever-increasing

Emphasizes the continuous and ongoing nature of the increase.

mounting

Suggests an accumulation or build-up, often of pressure, problems, or debt.

growing

A simple and direct way to indicate an increase in size, number, or intensity.

continually expanding

Focuses on the expansion or broadening aspect of the increase.

intensifying

Highlights the increase in strength, force, or severity.

accumulating

Suggests a gradual collection or amassing of something.

heightening

Implies an increase in intensity or excitement, often in a sensory or emotional context.

FAQs

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

You can use "progressively greater" to describe a gradual increase in something over time, such as "The project required "progressively greater" effort as it neared completion".

What are some alternatives to "progressively greater"?

Alternatives include "increasingly larger", "gradually more significant", or "steadily escalating", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "progressively greater" and "increasingly greater"?

While similar, "progressively greater" suggests a more systematic or staged increase, whereas "increasingly greater" simply implies a growing amount. Choose the phrase that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Can "progressively greater" be used in negative contexts?

Yes, "progressively greater" can be used in negative contexts to describe a worsening situation, such as "The company faced "progressively greater" financial difficulties".