little by little
little by little — idiom
1. used to describe a process or change that takes place slowly over time, moving f
used to describe a process or change that takes place slowly over time, moving forward one small stage after another, so the full effect can only be seen after a while.
Little by little, Heloísa began to feel more comfortable speaking in front of the class.
phrase at sentence start modifying the whole clause
The paint on the old fence peeled away little by little during the rainy season.
post-verbal position
As the weeks passed, the long winter days grew warmer little by little until spring arrived.
The village recovered little by little after the floods, rebuilding one house at a time.
Little by little, Erik learned to play the guitar by practising for just ten minutes each evening.
- gradually
the most direct synonym; works in almost any context where 'little by little' fits
- step by step
emphasises a clear sequence of stages, especially in learning or planning
- bit by bit
more informal and closer in feel to 'little by little'; often used for small physical actions
- suddenly
describes a change happening all at once, the opposite of slow progression
- all at once
emphasises that many things happen simultaneously, not one small stage at a time
文法句型
little by little + clause at start or end
用法筆記
This idiom is often placed at the beginning of a sentence to frame the whole event, or directly after the verb. It works with both natural processes (weather, growth) and human activities (learning, recovery).
常見錯誤
little by little — phrasal verb
- little by littlebase form
- littles by little3rd person singular
- littling by little-ing form
- littled by littlepast simple
1. used to describe doing something in small increments or instalments, adding or c
used to describe doing something in small increments or instalments, adding or consuming a limited amount each time instead of everything at once.
Nia saved money little by little by putting aside fifty dollars from every pay cheque.
financial accumulation context
Tunde ate the huge bowl of noodles little by little, stopping to drink water between each mouthful.
The construction crew added bricks to the wall little by little until it reached the roof.
Tariq paid off his student loan little by little over six years, making small monthly payments.
Lauren painted the portrait little by little, putting in just a few brushstrokes every evening after work.
- in stages
suggests planned, separate phases rather than natural small increments
- piece by piece
used especially when physical objects or components are assembled or taken apart
- a little at a time
more conversational than 'little by little'; means the same thing
文法句型
little by little modifying the verb phrase
用法筆記
This sense focuses on the method or manner of doing something in small units of quantity or time. It is common with verbs of consumption, payment, construction, and creative work. Distinguish from the idiom sense, which focuses on the unfolding of a process over time — here the emphasis is on deliberate small portions.