they progressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they progressed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the advancement or development of a group of people or entities over time. Example: "Despite the challenges they faced, they progressed steadily towards their goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When they progressed, there was space.

The Guardian - Sport

Residents gained more confidence in core teaching skills as they progressed through the track.

Stanford University

Even when faced with insurmountable obstacles, they progressed, often fast and sometimes far.

The New York Times - Magazine

As they progressed, Ashcroft and Oakeshott gave teasing glimpses into their research.

The Guardian

They progressed with dishonour, we went out with our heads held high".

The Guardian - Sport

At First Avenue, the police tried to stop the marchers as they progressed along the sidewalk.

The New York Times

But, he said, "as they progressed, they could play pretty thorny defense".

The New York Times - Sports

They progressed to the last-16 in the 2010 World Cup but were ultimately undone by an on-song Brazil.

The Guardian - Sport

One of the pleasures of this tournament has been watching quite different teams finding their best shape as they progressed.

The Guardian - Sport

Her research includes interviews with black, Latino, white, and Asian-American boys as they progressed through adolescence.

The New Yorker

They progressed swiftly through the stages of their relationship: moving in together, planning marriage and discussing starting a family.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they progressed", ensure the context clearly defines who "they" refers to. Maintaining subject-verb agreement and providing specific details about the nature of their advancement will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "they progressed" without specifying the domain or area in which progress occurred. Vague statements lack impact; clarifying the specific advancements makes the statement more meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they progressed" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of moving forward or developing over time. It typically describes the advancement of a group or entity, as evidenced by the examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they progressed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe advancement or development over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile, fitting across varied contexts like news, science, and academia. To enhance your writing, specify the scope of progress and clearly define who "they" refers to. Consider alternatives such as "they advanced" or "they moved forward" for nuanced meanings. With its frequent use and clear meaning, "they progressed" remains a valuable phrase for conveying forward movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they advanced

This alternative emphasizes forward movement and improvement, similar to the original phrase, but with a slightly more formal tone.

they moved forward

This phrase focuses on the act of advancing from one point to another, highlighting the directional aspect of progress.

they developed

This suggests a gradual unfolding or maturation, emphasizing growth and refinement over time.

they evolved

This implies a more significant and transformative change, often suggesting adaptation or increased complexity.

they proceeded

This alternative highlights the continuation of a process or journey, often in a systematic or orderly manner.

they improved

This focuses specifically on the enhancement of quality or performance, indicating a positive change.

they made headway

This idiom suggests significant progress despite obstacles, implying effort and determination.

they gained ground

Similar to "made headway", this phrase emphasizes advancement in a competitive or challenging environment.

they ascended

This implies upward movement, either literally or figuratively, suggesting advancement to a higher level or status.

they transitioned

This suggests a change from one state or condition to another, highlighting the process of moving between different phases.

FAQs

How can I use "they progressed" in a sentence?

You can use "they progressed" to describe the advancement or development of a group over time. For example, "As "they progressed" through the training program, their skills improved significantly."

What are some alternatives to "they progressed"?

Alternatives include "they advanced", "they moved forward", or "they developed", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "they progressed" formal or informal?

"They progressed" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the specific situation. It is a versatile phrase that can be used in academic papers, news articles, and casual conversations.

What's the difference between "they progressed" and "they succeeded"?

"They progressed" indicates movement or advancement, whereas "they succeeded" implies the achievement of a specific goal. While progression can contribute to success, the terms are not interchangeable. For example, "they progressed" in their research, but ultimately "they failed" to find a cure.