to progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of moving forward or advancing in a particular area, such as personal development, projects, or tasks. Example: "In order to achieve our goals, we need to progress steadily and not rush the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Nothing seems to progress".

The New York Times - Arts

We want to progress.

BBC

To progress.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Now it's important to progress".

The New York Times - Food

"But we need to progress.

The New York Times - Sports

"To progress with the squad.

Independent

I needed to progress.

The Guardian - Sport

He lists the barriers to progress.

The Guardian

The plans are yet to progress, however.

Independent

But things have to progress.

The New York Times

So whatever happened to progress?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to progress" when you want to emphasize the act of moving forward or improving in a general sense. It is suitable for both personal and professional contexts.

Common error

While "to progress" is widely acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "to advance" or "to develop" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to progress" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the action of moving forward, advancing, or improving. As Ludwig AI validates, it's a common and acceptable way to describe development over time, either concretely (e.g., a project progressing) or abstractly (e.g., personal progress).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

22%

Sport

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Opinion

6%

Tech

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to progress" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to denote movement forward, advancement, or improvement. Ludwig AI affirms its widespread acceptance across numerous contexts. Analysis of usage patterns reveals that it's frequently found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Sport" domains, suggesting a neutral register. While versatile, writers should consider diversifying word choice in formal writing. The phrase is suitable for expressing intentions, describing development, and assessing improvement. Overall, "to progress" is a valuable phrase for conveying the concept of advancement in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to advance

Focuses on moving forward, often in a more strategic or planned way.

to move forward

A more general term for making progress, suitable in many situations.

to develop

Emphasizes growth and maturation over time.

to improve

Highlights the act of becoming better or more proficient.

to make headway

Suggests overcoming obstacles and achieving tangible results.

to gain ground

Implies gradual advancement, often against competition or resistance.

to push ahead

Conveys a sense of determination and proactive effort.

to forge ahead

Suggests creating a new path or making progress despite difficulties.

to scale up

Implies growth in size, scope, or intensity.

to mature

Specifically refers to reaching full development.

FAQs

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

You can use "to progress" to describe the act of moving forward or improving in various contexts. For example: "We need to work hard to progress in our careers" or "The project is to progress according to the timeline".

What are some alternatives to using "to progress"?

Some alternatives to "to progress" include "to advance", "to develop", "to improve", or "to move forward". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to progress" or "to make progress"?

Both "to progress" and "to make progress" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "To progress" emphasizes the act of moving forward, while "to make progress" focuses on achieving tangible results. Choose the phrase that best fits your intended meaning.

Can "to progress" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "to progress" is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, in very formal writing, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "to advance" or "to expedite".