stepwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'stepwise' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean "progressing gradually, one step at a time". For example, 'The company plans to implement its new strategy stepwise over the coming months'.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are then able to show that in every continent or region, the "youth dependency ratio" (the number of children under 15 compared with the working age population) is lowest in the richest group, next lowest in the next richest group and so on stepwise to the poorest group, which has the highest child dependency.

The Economist

This is because natural-rubber molecules, the product of a stepwise synthesis by enzymes, have a more regular structure than the artificial ones made by chemical engineering.

The Economist

It hedges against catastrophic mistakes by moving in a stepwise fashion and preserving fallback options in case the new system doesn't work.

The Economist

The second is whether something has actually changed in the nature of global economic activity to facilitate true catch-up across the emerging world, or whether we have merely come through a period in which stepwise catch-up finally came to an economy massive enough to temporarily bend patterns of economic activity around it.

The Economist

The structures of sepiolite and palygorskite are alike and can be regarded as consisting of narrow strips or ribbons of 2 1 layers that are linked stepwise at the corners.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The name "temperature jump" is usually reserved for the relaxation technique in which a stepwise temperature perturbation is achieved by passing a large electric current through the solution under study and thus heating it almost instantaneously; another method is to apply ultrasonic radiation to the system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The metabolic sequence of methionine normally begins with its stepwise conversion to homocysteine, cystathionine, and cysteine, successively, each step being carried out by a specific organic catalyst, or enzyme.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These combinations were regarded as dissonances and were to be confined to weak beats of the musical metre; they were to be resolved, for the most part, by stepwise movement downward to the adjacent consonance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In protozoans and eukaryotes in general, metabolism and respiration occur stepwise via three specific pathways: the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway (glycolysis), the tricarboxylic acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle, or citric acid cycle), and the electron transport chain, which uses cytochromes, flavins, and quinones as electron carriers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But if they have learned stepwise in terms of relevant attributes (e.g., to say "What is the colour?…Ah, that colour means it is GEK"), intradimensional shift should be easier, since only the "how" phase of the two-step process need be relearned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The reagent (the titrant) is added gradually or stepwise to the analyte from a buret.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stepwise" to emphasize a process that advances methodically, one stage at a time. This is especially effective in describing scientific processes, procedural instructions, or phased implementations.

Common error

Avoid using "stepwise" when simpler terms like "gradual" or "sequential" are more appropriate. Overusing "stepwise" can make your writing sound overly technical or pretentious. Choose the term that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stepwise" is as an adjective or adverb, modifying a noun or verb to describe a process that occurs in distinct steps or stages. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples illustrating its use in describing gradual or sequential actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stepwise" functions as an adjective or adverb to describe processes that unfold gradually or sequentially. As Ludwig AI validates, it is frequently used in scientific, technical, and academic contexts to emphasize a methodical progression. While grammatically correct and widely understood, remember that more straightforward terms like "gradual" may occasionally be more appropriate depending on context and formality. Consider using "stepwise" when you need to highlight a structured sequence of actions or advancements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually

This alternative refers to a slow, progressive change.

incrementally

This alternative implies small, regular increases.

progressively

This alternative emphasizes continuous advancement.

sequentially

This alternative highlights the ordered nature of the progression.

stage by stage

This alternative breaks down the process into distinct stages.

bit by bit

This alternative is more informal and suggests small, individual actions.

piecemeal

This alternative suggests that the progression is not necessarily organized.

by degrees

This alternative emphasizes a slow and subtle progression.

in stages

This alternative focuses on the division of the process into defined segments.

in increments

This alternative refers to a measured, controlled progression.

FAQs

How can I use "stepwise" in a sentence?

You can use "stepwise" to describe a process that happens in stages. For example, "The company implemented the changes in a "stepwise fashion"" or "The reaction proceeds through a "stepwise mechanism"".

What can I say instead of "stepwise"?

You can use alternatives like "gradual", "sequential", "incremental", or "stage by stage" depending on the context.

Is "step-wise" or "stepwise" correct?

"Stepwise" is the correct spelling. "Step-wise" is less common and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "stepwise" and "gradual"?

"Stepwise" emphasizes a progression that occurs in distinct stages, while "gradual" implies a smoother, more continuous change. Although often interchangeable, "stepwise" can imply a more structured sequence.