unfold incrementally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfold incrementally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process or development that occurs gradually or in stages over time. Example: "The project will unfold incrementally, allowing us to assess each phase before moving on to the next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In March, the consulting and accounting giant Deloitte announced that it was piloting a new program in which, like at Accenture, rankings would disappear and the evaluation process would unfold incrementally throughout the year.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our big problems are unfolding incrementally — the decline in U.S. education, competitiveness and infrastructure, as well as oil addiction and climate change.

The New York Times

But this strategy, too, unfolded incrementally.

Forbes

I believe she would warn us of a very slippery, very dangerous slope, and she would remind us what happens next, and next, and next, as the progression unfolds incrementally but inexorably -- the progression that starts with offhand remarks, then slurs, then stereotypes, then diatribes, then what? .

Huffington Post

If Anne, Yusor, and vast numbers of others could, they would surely warn of, and beg us to stand firm against, a very slippery, very dangerous slope, and would remind us what happens next, and next, and next, as an all too familiar progression unfolds incrementally but inexorably--the progression that starts with offhand remarks, then stereotypes, then slurs, then diatribes, then what?

Huffington Post

The term Slow TV has multiple meanings, and has been applied to full-length chronicles of actual, incrementally unfolding events, like a ship's voyage, and to the practice of spacing out viewings of a fictional serial's episodes rather than watching them in a marathon session.

The New York Times

Thus incrementally, as lives unfold, We'll change unnoticing until we hold Our different world the same, its tale untold.

Huffington Post

Most companies adapt incrementally and somewhat passively as events unfold.

Harvard Business Review

Similarly, Quinn (1980), drawing on a survey of ten major corporations in America, demonstrates how top management typically forge their strategies for change only gradually as events unfold, keeping their options open and steering their organizations incrementally towards a consensus view of the major important goals to be attained.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The joint public-private entity hinged on CS incrementally adjusts the delivery path as the reality unfolds.

Transportation Research Procedia

As Siegfried unfolds his story, it is clear he has himself chewed on the topic and its implications over many years, and has come incrementally to his understanding.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unfold incrementally" when you want to emphasize the gradual and phased nature of a process, rather than a sudden or immediate change. For example, describe how a new product launch will "unfold incrementally" to allow for market testing and feedback.

Common error

Avoid using "unfold incrementally" when describing events that happen quickly or all at once. For example, it would be incorrect to say "the accident unfolded incrementally" because accidents typically occur rapidly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfold incrementally" functions as an adverbial modifier describing how an event or process progresses. It specifies that the action of unfolding happens gradually, bit by bit. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase describes the manner in which something develops.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfold incrementally" describes a process or event that develops gradually or in stages. Ludwig indicates that while grammatically sound, the phrase is relatively rare in occurrence. Its primary function is to emphasize the gradual and phased nature of a development, implying a measured progression where each stage allows for observation and adaptation. It is appropriate for news articles, business contexts, and even academic discussions. More common and equally viable alternatives include "develop gradually", "progress in stages", or "evolve over time" depending on the context. Use it to describe strategic plans or evolutionary processes that are carefully rolled out over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop gradually

Focuses on the gradual nature of the development, similar to the original phrase.

progress in stages

Highlights the step-by-step progression of the unfolding.

evolve over time

Emphasizes the evolutionary aspect of the unfolding process.

advance steadily

Conveys a sense of consistent and measured progress.

grow progressively

Highlights the incremental growth aspect of the unfolding.

materialize bit by bit

Focuses on the gradual appearance or realization of something.

unravel gradually

Suggests a gradual revealing or unfolding, similar to the original phrase.

develop step by step

Highlights the sequential development of the process.

occur in phases

Emphasizes that the event happens in well defined periods of time.

come to light gradually

Focuses on the gradual revealing or discovering of some information.

FAQs

How can I use "unfold incrementally" in a sentence?

You can use "unfold incrementally" to describe a process or event that happens gradually or in stages, such as "The company's expansion plans will "develop gradually"".

What does "unfold incrementally" mean?

"Unfold incrementally" means to develop or reveal gradually, step by step, allowing for adjustments and learning along the way.

What are some alternatives to "unfold incrementally"?

Alternatives to "unfold incrementally" include "develop gradually", "progress in stages", or "evolve over time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "unfold incrementally" in formal writing?

Yes, "unfold incrementally" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing strategic processes or planned developments. However, consider "develop gradually" or "progress in stages" if you want a more formal tone.