slow but steady progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slow but steady progress" is correct and is used often in written English.
You can use it any time you want to emphasize that something is progressing, although slowly. For example: "Despite facing many setbacks, the company has made slow but steady progress in increasing their share of the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In sum, slow but steady progress.

The Economist

"I detect slow but steady progress.

The New Yorker

Since then, inspections have charted a slow but steady progress from this low point.

Independent

Other American advisers say the Afghans are making slow but steady progress.

The New York Times

Latinos are not only making slow but steady progress in terms of home-ownership, business formation and education.

The Economist

For Yu the publication of his novel is a sign of slow but steady progress in China.

The New York Times - Magazine

But despite this slow but steady progress, car-makers are increasingly back-pedalling on the importance of charging points.

The Guardian

Even at L.A.'s Locke High, one of the toughest in the nation, Green Dot is making slow but steady progress.

University of California, Berkeley

The college has been making slow but steady progress since the early 2000s, but women's admissions have accelerated in recent years.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Another mistake of the Tahoe campaign, Neisser thinks, was the failure of Chevrolet to use the program to engage its critics by at least pointing to slow-but-steady progress on the gas mileage front.

Forbes

Shellie Pfohl is stepping down as CEO of the U.S. Center for SafeSport after helping the organization gain footing over a two-year period of slow-but-steady progress.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slow but steady progress" to acknowledge that improvements are being made, even if they are not happening quickly. It's best to use the phrase when you want to convey encouragement and persistence.

Common error

Avoid using "slow but steady progress" when there are significant setbacks or inconsistencies. The phrase implies a reliable forward momentum, so it's misleading if progress is frequently interrupted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slow but steady progress" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its proper usage in describing the gradual advancement of something over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slow but steady progress" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression used to describe gradual yet consistent advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts, conveying a message of encouragement or tempered expectation. When using this phrase, ensure that the 'steady' aspect is accurate and that there aren't significant setbacks undermining the claim of continuous forward movement. Consider alternatives like "gradual but consistent advancement" or "step-by-step development" if you are looking for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradual but consistent advancement

Replaces "steady" with "consistent" and "progress" with "advancement", stressing the regularity of the advancement.

unhurried but continuous advancement

Highlights that the advancement continues without rushing.

measured but unrelenting growth

Emphasizes the continuous and determined nature of the growth, even if slow.

deliberate yet persistent improvement

Highlights the intentional and ongoing nature of the improvement.

step-by-step development

Focuses on the incremental nature of the development.

incremental forward movement

Replaces "progress" with a more descriptive phrase focusing on the small steps forward.

inch-by-inch climb

Uses a more figurative description, implying difficulty but persistence.

consistent upward trend

More statistical in tone, implies a regular and positive movement.

orderly and progressive unfolding

Emphasizes the organized and unfolding aspect of the progress.

constant trickle of gains

Implies that the gains are small but consistent.

FAQs

How can I use "slow but steady progress" in a sentence?

You can use "slow but steady progress" to describe a situation where incremental improvements are being made over time. For example, "Despite the challenges, the project is showing "slow but steady progress" toward completion."

What are some alternatives to "slow but steady progress"?

Alternatives to "slow but steady progress" include "gradual but consistent advancement", "step-by-step development", or "measured but unrelenting growth".

Is it better to describe something as "slow but steady progress" or "rapid advancement"?

The better phrase depends on the situation. "Slow but steady progress" is suitable when improvements are gradual. "Rapid advancement" is appropriate when changes are quick and significant. Don't choose one or another to mislead the public.

What's the difference between "slow but steady progress" and "consistent effort"?

"Slow but steady progress" describes the outcome of an action, indicating that advancements are being made gradually over time. "Consistent effort" describes the input or action itself, referring to continuous and sustained work or activity. You can show the public the effort but don't guarantee the progress, that's more honest.