“by little and little”是一个表示渐变过程的英语短语,核心含义与大家更熟悉的“little by little”完全一致,均为:
作为副词短语,它主要用来修饰动词、形容词或整个句子,描述动作或状态的缓慢进展。位置灵活,可置于:
句首(用逗号分隔,强调过程);
句中(修饰动词);
句尾(补充说明变化的方式)。
句首:By little and little, she mastered the art of public speaking.(渐渐地,她掌握了公开演讲的技巧。)
句中:The plant grew by little and little under proper care.(在精心照料下,这株植物一点一点地长大了。)
句尾:He improved his writing skills by little and little.(他逐渐提高了写作能力。)
描述自然/状态变化:The ice on the lake melted by little and little as spring arrived.(春天来临时,湖面上的冰渐渐融化了。)
little by little:与“by little and little”完全同义,只是语序不同(更常用);
gradually:更正式的“逐渐地”(书面语中常见);
step by step:强调“按步骤、一步步”(更突出过程的阶段性);
bit by bit:更口语化的“一点一点地”(侧重“少量多次”)。
“by little and little”是一个侧重“微小积累”的渐变表达,适用于描述学习、成长、自然变化等需要时间的过程,用法与“little by little”一致,只是语序差异,无需额外区分。