Gradually means slowly over a period of time or across a distance, rather than all at once.

The idea

Use gradually with change verbs: gradually became darker, improved gradually. It can also begin a sentence: Gradually, the team found a method.

Examples

  • The sky gradually became darker.
  • She gradually learned to speak with confidence.
  • The noise gradually faded during the evening.
  • Gradually, the team found a better method.
  • The road gradually rises toward the village.
  • His understanding improved gradually over several weeks.

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Watch out

Gradually emphasizes change in stages; suddenly presents a change as abrupt.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the word for change over several weeks. His understanding improved step by step over several weeks, or ___. (gradually / suddenly)

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    gradually

    Gradually fits a change over several weeks.

  2. Choose the adverb before became. The sky ___ became darker. (gradually / gradual)

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    gradually

    The adverb gradually can precede became.

  3. Choose the adverb describing gradual improvement. His understanding improved ___. (gradually / gradual)

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    gradually

    At the end, gradually describes how understanding improved.

Use it today

Describe a skill that improved gradually and say over what period.