to develop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to develop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of growth, progress, or improvement in various contexts, such as skills, ideas, or projects. Example: "The team is working hard to develop a new software application that meets user needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We want to develop.

The New York Times

We want to develop trade.

The New Yorker

I'm always listening, to develop.

The New York Times - Arts

They're bound to develop leaks.

The New York Times

That all has to develop".

The New York Times - Sports

They continue to develop professionally".

Independent

"I want to develop our tradition.

The New York Times

But paranoia takes some time to develop.

The New Yorker

Who helped you to develop that?

The New York Times

He will really start to develop skills".

The New York Times - Science

From that moment they began to develop".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to develop", ensure the object of development is clearly defined. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "We need to develop", specify "We need to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy".

Common error

Avoid using "to develop" as a generic term without a specific purpose. Vague statements like "We plan to develop further" lack impact. Instead, clarify what specific aspects will be improved or expanded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to develop" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase, often used to express purpose or intention. Ludwig highlights this usage across numerous examples, demonstrating its role in indicating a future action or goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to develop" serves as an infinitive verb phrase used to express the purpose of growth, improvement, or creation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, clarity is key; ensure the object of development is clearly defined to avoid vague or generic statements. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently use "to develop" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to improve

Focuses on making something better.

to cultivate

Implies nurturing and careful growth, often used in contexts of skills or relationships.

to foster

Suggests creating a supportive environment for growth and progress.

to build

Suggests a structured and gradual process of creation.

to advance

Focuses on forward movement and improvement.

to refine

Implies making small changes to improve quality or precision.

to generate

Emphasizes creation and origination.

to evolve

Highlights gradual change and adaptation over time.

to expand

Emphasizes growth in size or scope.

to mature

Highlights the process of becoming fully grown or developed.

FAQs

How can I use "to develop" in a sentence?

Use "to develop" to describe a process of growth, improvement, or creation. For example, "The company aims "to develop" new technologies" or "She is working hard "to develop" her skills".

What are some alternatives to "to develop"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to cultivate", "to foster", "to advance", "to generate" or "to improve".

Is it better to say "develop" or "to develop"?

"Develop" is a verb that can be used in various tenses, while "to develop" is the infinitive form. Use "to develop" when expressing purpose or intention. For example, "We are working "to develop" a new product", versus "They develop software solutions".

What's the difference between "to develop" and "to evolve"?

"To develop" generally implies a deliberate, guided process of growth or creation, while "to evolve" suggests a more natural, gradual transformation over time. For instance, a company might ""to develop"" a new strategy, while a species might "to evolve" over generations.