Meaning & use
gradual improvement
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Meaning
phrasecountable or uncountable
a slow, steady change for the better over time.
Grammar: Can be used with a/an or without an article: a gradual improvement, some gradual improvement.
Patterns
- a gradual improvement in something
- show gradual improvement
- see gradual improvement
After months of practice, there was a gradual improvement in her piano playing.
The doctor noted gradual improvement in his condition.
We are seeing gradual improvement in the economy.
Common combinations
- gradual improvement in
- There has been gradual improvement in air quality.
- show gradual improvement
- The students showed gradual improvement over the year.
- steady gradual improvement
- The team made steady gradual improvement each week.
- signs of gradual improvement
- There are signs of gradual improvement in the patient.
Synonyms and how they differ
- steady progress
- Steady progress emphasizes continuous movement forward; gradual improvement emphasizes becoming better slowly.
- slow recovery
- Slow recovery is often used for health or economy after a problem; gradual improvement is more general.
Opposites
Word family
- improve verb
- To make or become better.
- improvement noun
- The act or result of getting better.
- gradually adverb
- In a slow, steady way.
Commonly confused: gradual improvement or graduated improvement?
gradual improvement vs graduated improvement
Graduated improvement is not a common phrase; gradual improvement is the correct one.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'gradual improvement' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The correct preposition after 'improvement' is 'in' when talking about a skill or area. 'Of' is used for possession, 'for' shows purpose, and 'at' is used for location or specific ability, so they do not fit here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “gradual improvement”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.