they are progressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are progressing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something is making progress or advancing in a particular area or task. Example: "Despite the challenges, they are progressing well in their project and meeting their deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are progressing.

Independent

The Frenchman's belief is that they are progressing.

The Guardian - Sport

Moscow also formally opened talks to join the O.E.C.D. this year, though they are progressing slowly.

The New York Times

There's no sense that, as in The Full Monty, they are progressing.

The Guardian - Film

Accompanying software helps users track and visualize how they are progressing over time.

MIT Technology Review

Any well-managed innovation process includes mechanisms to track ongoing initiatives and ensure that they are progressing according to plan.

Harvard Business Review

The Barclays chairman writes in the annual report that he is pleased they are progressing in starting to rebuild trust.

Independent

The trials are being conducted in nine field sites in all the regions of the country, and they are progressing very well.

Cornell University

Students will be evaluated annually to ensure that they are progressing at a pace that will allow them to complete their degree within the maximum time frame.

Columbia University

And since the tests are graded instantly, students and teachers can see immediately how they are progressing in mastering the standards set by the state departments of education.

The New York Times - Tech

Given is happy with City's start to the season and believes the game at Villa shows how much they are progressing as a team.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating the progress of a project or team, use "they are progressing" to convey that steps are being made toward a goal. For example, "Although challenges remain, they are progressing toward completing the project ahead of schedule".

Common error

Avoid using "they are progressing" when a simple statement of current status is needed. For instance, instead of saying "they are progressing skilled", say "they are becoming skilled" to accurately reflect a state of development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are progressing" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating ongoing action. It is used to describe the continuous movement or advancement of a group toward a particular goal or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a correct and usable part of the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are progressing" is a versatile and commonly used verbal phrase that indicates ongoing action and forward movement. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide array of contexts. Its primary function is to inform and assure, demonstrating that certain entities are moving towards an objective, and is commonly found in News & Media, Academia and Science. Alternatives include phrases like "they are advancing" or "they are improving", offering subtle differences in emphasis. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects continuous action rather than a state, and note its neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they're advancing

Replaces 'progressing' with 'advancing', suggesting a forward movement but can imply a more proactive or forceful approach.

they're improving

Substitutes 'progressing' with 'improving', focusing on the enhancement of quality or condition rather than just forward movement.

they're developing

Uses 'developing' instead of 'progressing', highlighting growth and the unfolding of potential.

they're moving forward

Replaces 'progressing' with a more literal description of movement toward a goal.

they're making headway

Uses an idiom to indicate progress, suggesting that obstacles are being overcome.

they're on track

Implies that progress is being made according to a plan or schedule.

they're getting better

A more general phrase that indicates an improvement in condition or ability.

they're evolving

Suggests a gradual process of change and development.

they are flourishing

Suggests a thriving or successful advancement.

they are on the upswing

Expresses an increase or improvement after a decline.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they are progressing" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "they are advancing", "they are developing", or "they are improving", depending on the context.

What does it mean when someone says "they are progressing"?

It means that a group is making forward movement or improvement toward a specific goal or outcome. The specific interpretation depends on the context, but generally indicates positive momentum.

Is it correct to say "they are progressing well"?

Yes, "they are progressing well" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that indicates satisfactory or better-than-expected progress. The adverb 'well' enhances the meaning of progressing.

What are some common errors when using "they are progressing"?

A common error is using "they are progressing" when a state is meant instead of a continuous action. For instance, instead of saying "they are progressing skilled", it's better to say "they are becoming skilled" or "they are developing their skill".