slowly expands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slowly expands" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a gradual increase in size, scope, or influence over time. Example: "As the sun rises, the light slowly expands across the horizon, illuminating the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

So the definition of "terrorist" slowly expands to include the opposition.

The Guardian

This is just one example of how the book slowly expands to become something great.

The Guardian - Books

The centerpiece of the show is "Light Pavilion," a canopy of light bulbs on strings that slowly expands and collapses.

The New York Times - Arts

"People are always saying it's the show-within-a-show," Daly says, referring to the way the show slowly expands out from its seemingly simple premise.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

After weeks of this routine, the mind slowly expands (ask me, and I would say that it cracks, perhaps even makes you vulnerable).

The Guardian - Opinion

We will also explain why each of us may have a single "God" neuron or circuit that slowly expands the more we contemplate religious ideas.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 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

Combine "slowly expands" with specific metrics or directions (e.g., "slowly expands northward", "slowly expands its market share") to provide a clearer picture of the expansion.

Common error

Avoid using "slowly expands" in scenarios where a rapid or immediate increase is more appropriate. For example, describing a company's exponential growth with "slowly expands" would be misleading; instead, opt for phrases like "rapidly grows" or "quickly escalates".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slowly expands" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing an action or process of gradual enlargement or growth. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Science

6%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slowly expands" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes a gradual increase in size, scope, or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in books and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, it’s important to avoid overusing it in situations where rapid growth is more appropriate. Alternatives like "gradually widens" or "steadily grows" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. This analysis offers practical guidance for using "slowly expands" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually widens

Focuses on the spatial increase of something.

steadily grows

Implies a constant and reliable increase.

progressively increases

Highlights the incremental nature of the expansion.

grows incrementally

Emphasizes the small steps of growth.

bit by bit extends

Suggests a very gradual and perhaps laborious expansion.

unfolds gradually

Emphasizes the revealing or developing aspect of the expansion.

develops slowly

Focuses on the maturation and evolution during expansion.

quietly escalates

Implies a subtle and perhaps unnoticed expansion.

imperceptibly augments

Stresses the unnoticeable nature of the expansion.

leisurely broadens

Conveys a relaxed and unhurried expansion.

FAQs

What does "slowly expands" mean?

The phrase "slowly expands" describes a gradual and progressive increase in size, scope, or influence over a period of time.

What can I say instead of "slowly expands"?

You can use alternatives like "gradually widens", "steadily grows", or "progressively increases" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something "slowly expands"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a gradual increase. For example, "the market slowly expands".

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

"Slowly expands" indicates a gradual increase, while "rapidly expands" suggests a quick or immediate increase. The choice depends on the actual pace of the expansion.