slowly developing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slowly developing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or situation that is progressing gradually over time. Example: "The project is slowly developing, and we expect to see significant progress in the coming months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Step for step, music met the slowly developing scenes".

The Guardian

Voltaire's object was to show humanity slowly developing beyond barbarism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rachel Botchan is quite good as Sylvia, slowly developing the headstrong maid into a credible character.

The New York Times

Local currencies, barter markets and networks of co-operatives are slowly developing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expanding overseas has been a slowly developing trend for American hospitals over the last decade.

The New York Times

Instances of slowly developing percepts require relatively simple procedures to uncover.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The slowly developing image gives few clues to its true identity, but a toddler would guess for sure.

The New York Times - Books

It is sumptuous – the riffs slowly developing, the beat building before (and inside) you, the musicians characteristically rapt.

The Guardian - Arts

His plan to expel Mr. Corzine grew from mounting frustration over the slowly developing federal investigation into MF Global.

The New York Times

It is only slowly developing a culture of philanthropy, or even of widespread paying of taxes, but these should come.

The Economist

PAGE A18 A MAJOR OVERSEAS EXPANSION Expanding overseas has been a slowly developing trend for American hospitals in the last decade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or processes that take considerable time, use "slowly developing" to convey the protracted nature of the evolution. For example, "The market for electric vehicles is slowly developing, with consumer adoption increasing steadily each year."

Common error

Avoid using "slowly developing" when describing situations where speed is crucial or immediate action is expected. For instance, saying "The emergency response plan is slowly developing" implies a lack of urgency, which can be misleading and inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slowly developing" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the manner in which something is progressing or evolving, emphasizing the gradual nature of the development. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slowly developing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe gradual progression. As noted by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to modify nouns, emphasizing the gradual pace of development in a variety of contexts such as News & Media and Science. It's crucial to avoid using this phrase in contexts where urgency is required. Consider using alternative phrases like "gradually unfolding" or "progressing gradually" to refine your message. Overall, understanding the contexts and nuances allows for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slowly evolving

Focuses on the evolutionary aspect of a process.

progressing gradually

Highlights the step-by-step advancement of something.

gradually unfolding

Emphasizes a revealing or unfolding aspect over time.

developing at a measured pace

Implies a deliberate and controlled rate of development.

taking shape slowly

Focuses on the gradual formation or manifestation of something.

maturing gradually

Highlights the maturation process that occurs incrementally.

incrementally advancing

Stresses the small, additive steps of progress.

building up gradually

Indicates that something is being constructed or accumulated over time.

unfolding in stages

Highlights the phased or staged nature of the development.

little by little

Expresses a very slow and almost imperceptible rate of development.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "slowly developing" in a sentence?

Use "slowly developing" to describe processes or phenomena that evolve gradually over time. For example, "The understanding of quantum physics is "slowly developing" as new research emerges."

What are some alternatives to "slowly developing"?

You can use alternatives like "gradually unfolding", "progressing gradually", or "slowly evolving" depending on the specific context.

Is "slowly developing" appropriate for describing urgent situations?

No, "slowly developing" is not suitable for urgent situations as it implies a lack of speed and immediacy. Use terms like "rapidly evolving" or "quickly unfolding" instead.

What's the difference between "slowly developing" and "rapidly developing"?

"Slowly developing" describes a gradual, protracted process, while "rapidly developing" indicates a fast, accelerated process. The choice depends on the actual pace of the development being described.