make progress

Meaning

This phrase means to move forward, improve, or get closer to completing a task or goal. It is widely used in business updates, performance reviews, and project management. 'Progress' is uncountable, and it always pairs with the verb 'make.'

Examples

• We are finally making progress on the software update after weeks of delays.

  We are finally making progress on the software update after weeks of delays.

• The team has made significant progress since our last weekly meeting.

  The team has made significant progress since our last weekly meeting.

• I feel like we aren't making any progress with these negotiations.

  I feel like we aren't making any progress with these negotiations.

• She is making great progress in her new role as team lead.

  She is making great progress in her new role as team lead.

• Although the project is complex, we are making steady progress every day.

  Although the project is complex, we are making steady progress every day.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We did a lot of progress this week.

  ✓ We made a lot of progress this week.

  The correct verb to use with 'progress' is 'make,' not 'do.'

• ✗ The team is making a good progress.

  ✓ The team is making good progress.

  Because 'progress' is an uncountable noun, you should not use the indefinite article 'a' before it.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We need to ___ on this project before the deadline next Friday.

  💡 Choose the correct verb to pair with 'progress'.

  Show answer

  make progress

• Despite the budget cuts, the team has ___ on the development.

  💡 Use the past participle form of the verb.

  Show answer

  made progress