slowly advancing

USAGE SUMMARY

"slowly advancing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the movement of something over time, such as in the following sentence: The presidential candidate slowly advanced in the polls, gaining ground gradually over the course of a few weeks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Guaraní is slowly advancing to its death," he said.

The New York Times

It shows that the rule of law is slowly advancing in Mexico".

The New York Times

I went with it, glancing back to see the police line slowly advancing.

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, I do believe this is the future toward which we are slowly advancing.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Currently, we're still pretty far from the asteroid and slowly advancing to lower orbital distances.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Hoche then turned southeast, unhindered by the Prussians, to join the slowly advancing Army of the Rhine.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The driver slowly advanced and ran her over twice.

The Guardian

The rebels have slowly advanced down the road, though only in small groups.

The Guardian

After the initial wave of state repression, civil liberties slowly advanced – undermining the anarchist claims.

Independent

War soon broke out again, however, and Charles slowly advanced through Aquitaine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

fought a guerrilla war, punctuated by sporadic massacres of Hutus, and slowly advanced toward the capital, Kigali.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slowly advancing" to describe processes or movements that are not rapid, and where the gradual pace is a key aspect of the description. This can be particularly effective when detailing military movements, scientific progress, or the evolution of a trend.

Common error

Avoid using "slowly advancing" when a situation demands a sense of urgency or rapid change. It is more appropriate for scenarios where the gradual nature of the progress is noteworthy, rather than implying inefficiency or delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slowly advancing" typically functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase, describing an ongoing action or state. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating how something is progressing, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slowly advancing" is a grammatically sound verb phrase that effectively communicates gradual progress or movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard English grammar rules and is commonly used across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles, from news reports to scientific publications. While versatile, it's best used when emphasizing the deliberate or unhurried pace of the advancement, avoiding situations where urgency is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually progressing

This alternative emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the advancement.

steadily moving forward

This phrase highlights the consistent and unwavering nature of the movement.

inching forward

This suggests a very slow, almost imperceptible advancement.

making slow progress

This focuses on the achievement of goals rather than the act of moving.

gaining ground gradually

This implies a competitive context where progress is being made against opposition.

leisurely advancing

This suggests a relaxed pace of progress.

developing gradually

This alternative is closer to the idea of an evolution of a specific activity.

unhurriedly progressing

This highlights the lack of rush or urgency in the advancement.

deliberately progressing

This implies advancement that is carefully and intentionally planned.

patiently advancing

This suggests advancement that occurs over a period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "slowly advancing" in a sentence?

You can use "slowly advancing" to describe the gradual movement or progress of something over time. For example: "The tide was "slowly advancing" up the beach" or "The investigation is "slowly advancing", revealing new details each week".

What are some alternatives to "slowly advancing"?

Alternatives to "slowly advancing" include "gradually progressing", "steadily moving forward", or "inching forward". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "slowly advancing"?

While grammatically correct, using "slowly advancing" might be inappropriate if the context requires a sense of urgency or rapid movement. In such cases, phrases like "rapidly progressing" or "quickly gaining momentum" would be more fitting.

What is the difference between "slowly advancing" and "steadily advancing"?

"Slowly advancing" emphasizes the low speed of the progression, while "steadily advancing" focuses on the consistency and unwavering nature of the movement, regardless of its speed.