progressively longer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "progressively longer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that increases in length or duration in a gradual manner over time or in a sequence. Example: "The exercises in the training program are designed to be progressively longer, allowing participants to build their endurance gradually."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cell cycle of neural progenitors, particularly the duration of the G1-phase, becomes progressively longer as development progresses (Takahashi et al, 1995).

EMBO Journal

The recoveryphase involves progressively longer and more challenging balance and proprioception exercises, progressive strengthening exercises with injured and non-injured limbs and jogging/running.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

In Progressive chess, rather than just making one move per turn, players play progressively longer series of moves.

Theoretical Computer Science

Within six months, the plane made progressively longer flights.

The New York Times

Progressively longer cycling times for polarity reversal are also recommended.

Desalination

All are dizzyingly high, and they become progressively longer as the route goes on.

The Guardian - Travel

The next three beaches, which become progressively longer and more deserted, are natural chill-out zones.

The Guardian - Travel

Within six months, the plane made progressively longer flights, the longest lasting nearly an hour.

The New York Times

As the cursor moves right, progressively longer fibers are subtracted from the visualization.

MIT Technology Review

Over the years, Crystal's visits have grown progressively longer, and each summer she has packed more elaborately.

The New York Times

Towards the end of the experiment, the algorithm that sets electrode configurations took progressively longer to route the remaining electrodes.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "progressively longer" when you want to emphasize a gradual and consistent increase in length or duration over time. This phrase is effective in technical and descriptive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "progressively longer" when a simple increase in length is meant without the nuance of a gradual or staged change. In such cases, "longer" or "increasingly long" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "progressively longer" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, describing how something increases in length or duration over time. It adds detail to verbs or adjectives, specifying the manner in which the increase occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "progressively longer" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a gradual increase in length or duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful phrase. It appears most commonly in scientific and news contexts, indicating its versatility across different writing styles. While alternatives like "increasingly extended" or "gradually increasing in length" exist, "progressively longer" offers a clear and concise way to convey this concept. When clarity and precision are key, especially in technical or descriptive writing, this phrase remains a strong choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly extended

Uses "extended" instead of "longer", implying a stretching out in time or space.

gradually increasing in length

Replaces the adverb "progressively" with the adverb "gradually" and uses the more explicit phrase "increasing in length".

becoming longer over time

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the increase in length.

growing in duration

Shifts the focus from length to duration, suitable for describing time-based processes.

ever-lengthening

Uses a hyphenated adjective to convey a continuous increase in length.

incrementally longer

Highlights the step-by-step increase in length.

continually lengthening

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of the lengthening process.

expanding in size

Broader term, suitable when referring to a physical expansion beyond just length.

prolonging gradually

Focus on the action of making something gradually longer in time.

extending further

Implies a directional increase in length or duration.

FAQs

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

You can use "progressively longer" to describe something that gradually increases in length or duration. For example: "The training sessions involved "progressively longer" runs each week."

What are some alternatives to using "progressively longer"?

Alternatives include "increasingly extended", "gradually increasing in length", or "becoming longer over time". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "progressively longer"?

While grammatically correct, "progressively longer" may not be the best choice if the increase isn't gradual or incremental. In such cases, "longer" or "increasingly long" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "progressively longer" and "increasingly longer"?

"Progressively longer" implies a more structured, step-by-step increase, while "increasingly longer" suggests a general trend of getting longer without necessarily being incremental. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance can be important.