recede gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recede gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that diminishes or moves back slowly over time. Example: "As the tide began to recede gradually, the beach was revealed, showcasing the shells and rocks hidden beneath the water."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Climber, at length, receded gradually, but Naskra remained strong.

The New York Times

With increasing heat flux, it is found that the liquid thin film recedes gradually into the wick structure, with the lowest liquid level at the center of the heating area, to maintain a continuous liquid supply via capillary pumping.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

The mind-numbing strains of Here Comes a Digger replaced the doom-laden incidental music of the Island of Sodor, and the spectre of Boulder receded, very gradually.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the second part, earthly lives recede as they gradually reappear, nearly all dressed in white.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a fairground ride of a movie in which character and narrative development gradually recede as thrills are foregrounded.

Independent

At the end of August the waters gradually recede until they again reach their lowest point in October.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the extension of the delta of the Shaṭṭ Al-ʿArab by silt deposition caused the coast of the Persian Gulf to gradually recede from Ābādān.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its assumption holds that a solution to the crisis means market speculation eases, and spreads between peripheral eurozone bonds and their German counterparts gradually recede.

The Guardian

As it comes to an end, the tide turns and slowly starts to roll away, fading out on waves that gradually recede into a murky void.

The New York Times - Arts

For the upper Ob, the spring floods end by July, but autumn rains bring high water again in September and October; in the middle and lower Ob, the spring and summer floodwaters gradually recede until freezing sets in.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the waters gradually recede, dreadful scenes are unfolded to the horrified view of the survivors, most of whom are weak and fainting from lack of food and shelter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recede gradually" when you want to emphasize a slow and continuous process of something diminishing or moving away. For instance, "As the fever began to recede gradually, he felt his strength returning."

Common error

While "recede gradually" is correct, avoid stacking multiple adverbs unnecessarily. For example, instead of saying "the water receded very gradually", consider if "receded gradually" already conveys the intended meaning effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recede gradually" functions as a verbal phrase describing an action (receding) and modifying it with an adverb (gradually). According to Ludwig AI, this is a usable and correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "recede gradually" is deemed grammatically correct and usable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a verbal phrase describing a slow and continuous decline or withdrawal. While no exact examples were found, related phrases and semantic analysis indicate that it is most frequently encountered in Science, News & Media and Encyclopedias contexts. When writing, using "recede gradually" effectively conveys a slow, continuous process. Keep in mind that overusing adverbs can sometimes make the writing verbose, as always, prefer precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually diminish

Maintains the gradual aspect while highlighting the diminishing effect.

retreat gradually

Emphasizes the movement of pulling back or withdrawing slowly.

slowly diminish

Focuses on the diminishing aspect of the process, emphasizing the reduction in size or intensity.

diminish over time

Highlights the time aspect of the diminishing process.

slowly withdraw

Highlights the act of withdrawing at a slow pace.

slowly fade away

Emphasizes the fading or disappearing aspect of the process.

ebb slowly

Uses 'ebb' to suggest a flowing back or receding, maintaining the slow pace.

subside slowly

Focuses on the calming down or settling aspect of receding.

wane progressively

Uses 'wane' to indicate a decline in power or influence, adding a sense of progression.

step back gradually

Implies a more deliberate and controlled withdrawal.

FAQs

How can I use "recede gradually" in a sentence?

You can use "recede gradually" to describe something that diminishes or moves back slowly over time. For example, "As the floodwaters began to recede gradually, residents started returning to their homes."

What can I say instead of "recede gradually"?

You can use alternatives like "slowly diminish", "gradually diminish", or "slowly fade away" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "recede gradually"?

While "recede" inherently implies a backward movement, using "gradually" emphasizes the slowness and continuity of the process. It is not strictly redundant if you wish to highlight the gradual nature of the recession.

Which is more appropriate: "recede quickly" or "recede gradually"?

The choice depends on the context. "Recede quickly" implies a rapid withdrawal, while "recede gradually" suggests a slow and continuous decline. They describe opposite speeds of the same action.