the process is gradual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the process is gradual" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or change that occurs slowly over time rather than suddenly. Example: "Learning a new language can be challenging, but remember that the process is gradual, and improvement will come with practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The process is gradual and unrelenting.

The New Yorker

The process is gradual and not always successful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The process is gradual, but everywhere VHS is passing the torch to the new format.

The New York Times

"The tighter job market is pushing up wages as businesses compete for workers, but the process is gradual," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Everything about the process is gradual and planned, said Pat Muldoon, senior vice president of Amec Construction, which is handling demolition of the Customs House.

The New York Times

According to Hull, responses (rather than perceptions or expectancies) participate in habit formation, the process is gradual, and reward is an essential condition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Many minds were altered in due course, but as Secord makes clear the process was gradual and the alterations various.

The Guardian - Books

Our basic finding is that, contrary to the widespread notion that aniline dyes suddenly replaced "traditional" colorants soon after the opening of Japan to international trade in 1859, the process was gradual and dye-specific, and that the overall impact of these new colorants has been exaggerated, with most of the existing dyes continuing in use.

Heritage Science

This is based on the theory of "Broken Zig-Zag", which considers that the process was gradual in time and in different species, taking place between 15 Ka BP and 8.5 Ka BP in Patagonia and during a longer period, until ca. 7.5 Ka BP in Pampa.

Quaternary International

The process was gradual, with the last Routemaster being decommissioned in December 2005.

Wikipedia

The process was gradual, beginning with therapy and sped along by Ms. Magazine and her participation in the Women's Strike For Equality.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to manage expectations, especially when discussing long-term projects or changes. It helps to emphasize that results may not be immediately visible but will accumulate over time.

Common error

Avoid using "the process is gradual" when immediate results are expected or required. This phrase sets the expectation of a slow pace, which may be inappropriate in time-sensitive situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the process is gradual" functions as a descriptive statement. It indicates that a particular process unfolds slowly and progressively over time, rather than happening abruptly or instantaneously. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the process is gradual" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe developments that occur slowly over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse fields. This phrase serves to manage expectations and highlight the importance of patience. While versatile, it's best used when a slow, progressive change is indeed what's being described, and not where immediate action or results are needed. Alternatives like "the transition is gradual" or "the change is incremental" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the process unfolds slowly

Emphasizes the slow unfolding or development of the process.

the process is a slow burn

Implies a slow and steady development, often with increasing intensity over time.

the transition is gradual

Focuses specifically on the gradual nature of a change or transition.

it's a step-by-step process

Highlights the incremental nature of the process, with progress occurring in small steps.

the evolution is gradual

Specifically refers to a gradual evolutionary development.

the change is incremental

Emphasizes that the change happens in small increments.

the progress is slow and steady

Highlights both the slow pace and the consistent nature of the progress.

it develops over time

Focuses on the time aspect of the development of the process.

the shift is progressive

Indicates a steady and forward-moving shift.

the advancement is phased

Refers to the advancement happening in stages or phases.

FAQs

How can I use "the process is gradual" in a sentence?

You can use "the process is gradual" to describe changes or developments that occur slowly over time. For instance, "Learning a new skill is often challenging, but remember, "the process is gradual", and consistent practice is key."

What are some alternatives to saying "the process is gradual"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the process unfolds slowly", "the transition is gradual", or "it's a step-by-step process", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "the process is gradual" or "the process is slow"?

While both convey a similar meaning, ""the process is gradual"" implies a more natural and progressive development, whereas "the process is slow" may simply indicate a lack of speed. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "the process is gradual" and "the process is incremental"?

"The process is gradual" suggests a smooth, continuous change over time, while "the process is incremental" emphasizes that the change happens in distinct, small steps or additions.