slowly expand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slowly expand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a gradual increase in size, scope, or influence over time. Example: "The company plans to slowly expand its operations into new markets over the next few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The swollen blotches have a distinct border and slowly expand into the surrounding skin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They, in turn, will train another 20, to slowly expand a network across 10 districts of the province.

The Guardian

The settlers would then slowly expand the livable areas, decontaminating one street or building at a time, like colonists reclaiming a post-apocalyptic wilderness.

The New York Times

The intervening eight years have seen Iran slowly expand its nuclear programme, but at the cost of tougher sanctions that have halved oil exports in about a year.

The Guardian

Its plan now is to focus on specific areas to start testing ideas and methods on community organising, and slowly expand across the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's still a work in progress - with just nine cities covered worldwide - but as he explains, "... the idea is to slowly expand destination choices month by month".

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

He slowly expanded into Red Hook.

The New York Times - Magazine

The light was slowly expanding over the sky.

The New Yorker

The program is slowly expanding, Mr. Conroy said.

The New York Times

Now the meme is slowly expanding into the wider consciousness.

The New York Times - Books

Through the 1990s Mr. Graham slowly expanded his scope.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slowly expand", consider whether the gradual pace is a deliberate strategy or a natural process. This can help you choose the most appropriate context.

Common error

Avoid using multiple adverbs to describe the expansion (e.g., "very slowly expand"). This can make the sentence sound redundant. Choose the adverb that best conveys the intended pace or manner.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slowly expand" functions as a verb phrase, where "slowly" modifies the verb "expand". It indicates the manner in which an action is performed, specifically the action of growing or increasing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slowly expand" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes a gradual process of growth or enlargement. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "gradually widen" or "incrementally increase" exist, "slowly expand" provides a clear and versatile way to describe controlled or natural progression. Be mindful of avoiding redundancy by limiting adverbs and choosing the right context to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slowly grow

This alternative is very close in meaning to the original phrase, emphasizing a gradual increase.

expand gradually

This alternative emphasizes that the expansion is done in a step-by-step manner.

gradually widen

This alternative emphasizes the increase in width or scope over time, often applicable in physical or metaphorical contexts.

incrementally increase

This phrase stresses a step-by-step growth, suggesting planned or measured advancements.

progressively enlarge

This implies a continuous and steady increase in size or importance.

steadily grow

Highlights the consistent and reliable nature of the expansion or growth.

extend bit by bit

Focuses on small additions accumulating over time.

develop gradually

This suggests a process of unfolding or maturing over time.

elongate progressively

Suitable when referring to something stretching out or becoming longer over time.

spread gradually

Implies an expansion that is distributed across an area or among a group.

FAQs

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

You can use "slowly expand" to describe a gradual increase in size, scope, or influence. For example, "The company plans to "slowly expand" its operations into new markets" or "The infection may "slowly expand" if left untreated".

What are some alternatives to "slowly expand"?

Some alternatives to "slowly expand" include "gradually widen", "incrementally increase", or "steadily grow". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "slowly expand gradually"?

Yes, "expand gradually" is redundant because "gradually" is already implied in the verb "expand". It is better to simply use ""slowly expand"" or "expand gradually" but not both.

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

"Slowly expand" indicates a gradual and paced growth, while "rapidly expand" suggests a fast and quick growth. The choice depends on the speed at which something is growing or increasing.