progressively larger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "progressively larger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that increases in size or magnitude in a gradual manner over time or in stages. Example: "The experiment involved a series of containers that were progressively larger, allowing us to observe the effects of volume on the reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since then, it has been reaffirmed in each generation by a progressively larger number of signatories.

The New York Times - Magazine

(In his stage directions, O'Neill describes the mask as growing progressively larger in each succeeding scene).

The New Yorker

As a result, the problem on the street grows progressively larger".

The Guardian

The government in Pakistan, already shaky, has pledged to support the United States, resulting in progressively larger anti-American protests.

The New York Times

But in "Objectified" and "Urbanized," he took on progressively larger themes.

The New York Times

According to the official, drugs are accounting for a progressively larger proportion of the insurgency's revenue.

The New York Times - Magazine

Chronic users develop a tolerance and require progressively larger doses to achieve the same effect.

Britannica

HyperJuice offers battery chargers with progressively larger capacities up to 61,000 mAh ($450).

The New York Times - Tech

Each commune was organized into progressively larger units: production teams, production brigades, and the commune itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The penalties spelled out in the law were monetary fines, which would be progressively larger if companies continued to hire aliens, and got caught.

The Guardian - Opinion

Physical tolerance to amphetamines develops rapidly, so that progressively larger doses must be consumed by the chronic user.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "progressively larger" when you want to emphasize a gradual and incremental increase in size, quantity, or magnitude, often over a period of time or through a series of stages. This construction is suitable for both technical and general contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "progressively larger" when describing something that increases abruptly or instantaneously. The term implies a step-by-step or continuous growth process, not a sudden jump.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "progressively larger" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun to indicate a gradual increase in size or magnitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "progressively larger" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe something that increases gradually in size or magnitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and versatile, appearing frequently in science, news media, and encyclopedic contexts. While alternatives like "increasingly bigger" or "gradually expanding" exist, "progressively larger" emphasizes a structured, step-by-step increase. It is suitable for both technical and general writing, conveying a sense of gradual growth over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly bigger

This alternative emphasizes the growing size, making it suitable for contexts where size is the primary focus.

successively greater

This implies a sequence of increases, useful when describing a series of steps or stages.

gradually expanding

Focuses on the expansion aspect, fitting scenarios where something is spreading or growing outward.

steadily growing

Highlights the consistent and continuous nature of the increase.

ever-increasing

Emphasizes the continuous and potentially limitless growth.

continuously expanding

Similar to "gradually expanding", but with a stronger sense of uninterrupted growth.

systematically enlarged

Suggests a planned and methodical increase in size.

incrementally bigger

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the increase.

expanding in scale

Focuses on the overall scope and magnitude of the increase.

mounting in size

Emphasizes the increasing quantity or volume.

FAQs

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

You can use "progressively larger" to describe something that increases in size or magnitude gradually. For example, "The company invested in "progressively larger equipment" to increase production capacity."

What are some alternatives to "progressively larger"?

Some alternatives include "increasingly bigger", "successively greater", or "gradually expanding", depending on the specific context.

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

While both phrases indicate an increase in size, "progressively larger" often implies a more structured or staged increase, whereas "increasingly larger" can refer to a more general increase.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "progressively larger"?

"Progressively larger" is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize a step-by-step or continuous growth process. This can include scientific studies, financial reports, or descriptions of physical development or expansion.