slow but sure progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slow but sure progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where progress is being made gradually but steadily, often implying that the outcome will be positive despite the slow pace. Example: "Although the project is taking longer than expected, we are making slow but sure progress towards our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Iraqi government is making slow but sure progress on important issues that will help stop the violence and bring the country together," National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said yesterday.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

What matters, is that you are progressing, even if slow, but sure, and that you remain dedicated.

WikiHow

We are slow but sure".

The New York Times

Slow but sure wins the race.

Independent

The movement is slow but sure.

The Times

"It was slow but sure," he said.

The New York Times

The recovery has been slow but sure.

The New York Times - Sports

First: moving slow but sure.

BMC Medical Ethics

Don't be discouraged if your progress is slow, but make sure that there is still SOME progress every session.

WikiHow

In sum, slow but steady progress.

The Economist

He reported slow but perceptible progress.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slow but sure progress" when you want to emphasize the reliability and certainty of advancement, even if it's not happening quickly. This is particularly useful in contexts where stability and long-term results are more important than speed.

Common error

Don't use "slow but sure progress" to justify a complete lack of action or movement. The phrase implies that there is progress, even if it's gradual. Ensure that there are tangible, demonstrable steps being taken, however small, to support the claim of progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slow but sure progress" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI suggests that it describes a process or situation. It often emphasizes the gradual and consistent nature of development or improvement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slow but sure progress" describes gradual, consistent advancement, emphasizing reliability over speed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and general discussions, to convey optimism and reassurance about ongoing, if slow, improvements. When writing, ensure actual progress is evident, not just implied. Alternatives like "steady progress" or "gradual but consistent improvement" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steady progress

Emphasizes the consistency of advancement without necessarily implying slowness.

gradual but consistent improvement

Highlights the incremental nature of the progress and its continuous quality.

step-by-step advancement

Focuses on the incremental and methodical way the progress is achieved.

inching forward

Implies very slow movement, but ultimately moving in the right direction.

consistent headway

Stresses the continuous and reliable nature of the forward movement.

making headway gradually

Similar to the original, but puts more emphasis on the gradual nature of the progress.

incremental development

Highlights the small, additive changes that contribute to the overall progress.

slow and steady wins the race

An idiomatic expression that embodies the same principle of methodical progress, but more general.

deliberate advancement

Suggests a conscious and thoughtful approach to making progress, possibly at a measured pace.

assured progress

Underscores the confidence in achieving advancement, though it might not be rapid.

FAQs

What does "slow but sure progress" mean?

The phrase "slow but sure progress" describes a situation where advancement is happening gradually and consistently, implying that the outcome will be positive despite the lack of rapid speed. It emphasizes reliability over quick results.

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

You might say, "Although the project is taking longer than expected, we are making "slow but sure progress" towards our goals". This indicates that despite delays, the project is consistently moving forward.

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

You can use alternatives like "steady progress", "gradual but consistent improvement", or "consistent headway" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "slow but sure progress" formal or informal?

The phrase "slow but sure progress" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations to describe gradual advancement.