to make headway

USAGE SUMMARY

"to make headway" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to making progress toward a goal or task. For example, "With our hard work, we have been able to make headway on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

New entrants struggle to make headway.

The Guardian - Business

"But leadership is needed to make headway.

The Guardian - Sport

Microsoft's counter-attack has failed to make headway.

The Economist

We had to use every last gust to make headway.

Independent

Thereafter, Martin was able to make headway in Italy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Neither side has been able to make headway.

The New York Times

In 1970s Britain though, the IFS struggled to make headway.

The Guardian - Business

To make headway, he turned to the Web.

The New York Times

But it is possible to make headway against the disease.

The New York Times

Capita, too, looks a share struggling to make headway.

The Guardian - Business

In September, Marclay was back in London, struggling to make headway on the manga book.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to make headway" when you want to emphasize overcoming obstacles or resistance in achieving progress. For example, "Despite the challenges, the team managed "to make headway" on the project".

Common error

Avoid using "to make headway" when the progress is minimal or insignificant. It is more appropriate when substantial or noticeable advancements have been made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make headway" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a verb complement or adverbial modifier. It signifies the act of progressing or advancing, especially when facing challenges. Ludwig shows that the expression is indeed correct and is commonly used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to make headway" is a correct and widely used infinitive phrase that signifies progress, particularly against resistance or challenges. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and illustrates its prevalence across diverse contexts like news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. It's a versatile expression, suitable for both neutral and professional registers, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. Remember to use it when you want to convey meaningful progress despite difficulties, as overuse in situations with minimal advancement can dilute its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make progress

Similar to the original phrase but slightly more common and less idiomatic.

to gain ground

Focuses on overcoming opposition or obstacles while advancing.

to push forward

Emphasizes effort and determination in advancing.

to forge ahead

Indicates continuing despite difficulties or resistance.

to move forward

Implies general progress, often in a less challenging environment.

to advance

Suggests a more strategic or planned progression.

to get ahead

Focuses on achieving success or an advantageous position.

to progress

A more general term for improvement or development.

to proceed

Suggests a formal or structured way of moving forward.

to come along

Informal way to say something is developing well.

FAQs

How can I use "to make headway" in a sentence?

You can use "to make headway" to describe progress being made, for example: "The negotiators are beginning "to make headway" in the peace talks".

What are some alternatives to "to make headway"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to make progress", "to gain ground", or "to move forward".

Is it more appropriate to say "make headway" or "making headway"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Make headway" is often used in the infinitive form (e.g., "to make headway"), while "making headway" is used in continuous tenses (e.g., "We are making headway").

What is the difference between "to make headway" and "to advance"?

"To advance" is a more general term for moving forward. "To make headway" implies that progress is being achieved despite obstacles or resistance. Thus, "to make headway" often suggests a more difficult or challenging process than simply "to advance".