a big increase in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big increase in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a significant rise or growth in a particular area, such as statistics, sales, or performance metrics. Example: "The company reported a big increase in sales this quarter compared to the last."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bad point: a big increase in inequality.

The Economist

A big increase in recycling.

The Guardian

A big increase in the minimum wage.

The Guardian - Business

We've seen a big increase in education.

The Guardian

There will be a big increase in spending and deficits.

The New York Times

"You'll see a big increase in poverty among these families.

The New York Times

So that's also a big increase in consumers.

The Guardian - Film

We're also seeing a big increase in private label product.

The New York Times

We're seeing a big increase in spa cuisine.

The New York Times

There was also a big increase in long-term unemployment.

The Guardian - Opinion

City officials have announced a big increase in bridge tolls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big increase in", quantify the increase with specific numbers or percentages to provide context and impact. For instance, instead of saying "a big increase in sales", say "a big increase of 25% in sales".

Common error

Avoid using "a big increase in" without providing specific details or context. Readers need to understand what is increasing and by how much to fully grasp the significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big increase in" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As supported by Ludwig, it typically introduces a statement about a notable rise or growth in something measurable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a big increase in" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant rise or growth. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is appropriate across various contexts, including news, business, and general communication. To use it effectively, provide specific details about what is increasing and by how much to avoid vagueness. While synonyms like "a substantial rise in" or "a significant growth in" exist, "a big increase in" maintains a balance between informality and clarity, making it a versatile choice for many writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial rise in

Emphasizes the magnitude and importance of the increase.

a significant growth in

Highlights the developmental aspect of the increase.

a considerable surge in

Suggests a sudden and impactful increase.

a marked escalation in

Focuses on the progressive nature of the increase.

a sharp upturn in

Implies a sudden and noticeable positive change.

a steep rise in

Conveys a rapid and dramatic increase.

a major boost in

Highlights the positive impact or benefit of the increase.

a large expansion in

Emphasizes the broadening or widening of something.

a jump in

Suggests an abrupt or sudden increase.

an upswing in

Indicates a general improvement or positive trend.

FAQs

How can I use "a big increase in" in a sentence?

You can use "a big increase in" to describe a significant rise in a quantity or measure. For example, "There was a big increase in the number of students applying to universities this year".

What are some alternatives to "a big increase in"?

Alternatives include "a substantial rise in", "a significant growth in", or "a considerable surge in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a large increase in" or "a big increase in"?

Both "a large increase in" and "a big increase in" are acceptable, but "large" might be perceived as slightly more formal. "Big" is generally considered more informal but is still commonly used. Therefore, it depends on the formality of context, and if you are looking for more synonyms you can refer to "a larger increase in".

When is it inappropriate to use "a big increase in"?

It might be inappropriate if the increase is not truly significant. Using "a big increase in" for a minor change could be misleading. In such cases, consider using phrases like "a slight increase" or "a marginal rise" instead.