a gradual increase

USAGE SUMMARY

"a gradual increase" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe a trend in which something is increasing slowly over time. For example: "Over the past few months, the company has seen a gradual increase in profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We've just seen a gradual increase".

The New York Times

"We're still planning for a gradual increase in M.&A.

The New York Times

Life expectancy, however, has been showing a gradual increase.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The discharge capacity displays a gradual increase with Cu%.

Journal of Power Sources

"In the last decade we've seen a gradual increase in children under 12," she said.

The New York Times

This results in a gradual increase in distance that can be covered before any pain occurs.

The New York Times - Health

We've seen a gradual increase over the summer, and we've seen a bigger increase this week".

The New York Times

These efforts led to a gradual increase in vaccination rates among U.S. children.

The Washington Post

The congressional inquiry found a gradual increase in law enforcement requests for cellphone tracking data.

The Washington Post

Mackey: It was mix of both, and it was a gradual increase.

The Washington Post

There had been a gradual increase in the number of drivers in rich countries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using related phrases like "a steady climb" or "progressive growth" for a more nuanced tone or to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "a gradual increase" when the change is actually rapid or sudden. This phrase implies a slow and steady progression, so it's important to ensure that the wording accurately reflects the reality of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gradual increase" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing changes in quantifiable metrics or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gradual increase" is a commonly used phrase to describe a slow and steady progression, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business settings. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, serving to inform or explain a specific development, and its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the increase is indeed gradual to avoid misrepresentation. Consider alternatives such as "a steady climb" or "progressive growth" for more nuanced expressions. Ludwig's analysis confirms the phrase's versatility and widespread acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a steady climb

Emphasizes the continuous and consistent nature of the increase.

a progressive growth

Highlights the development and advancement aspect of the increase.

a phased escalation

Suggests that the increase happens in distinct stages or steps.

a slow upturn

Focuses on the upward direction and gentle pace of the change.

a creeping expansion

Implies a subtle and almost imperceptible increase over time.

a measured augmentation

Highlights the careful and controlled nature of the increase.

a slight accretion

Suggests an increase through gradual accumulation or addition.

a marginal increment

Emphasizes the small and incremental nature of the increase.

a continuous ascent

Focuses on the upward trajectory and uninterrupted nature of the increase.

an incremental rise

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the increase.

FAQs

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

You can use "a gradual increase" to describe a situation where something is slowly increasing over time. For example, "The company saw "a gradual increase" in sales over the past quarter".

What are some alternatives to "a gradual increase"?

Some alternatives include "a steady climb", "a progressive growth", or "a slow upturn". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a gradual increase" formal or informal?

"A gradual increase" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a neutral phrase that is widely understood and accepted in various settings.

How does "a gradual increase" differ from "a sharp increase"?

"A gradual increase" implies a slow and steady progression, while "a sharp increase" suggests a sudden and rapid change. The choice between the two depends on the actual rate of change.