a net increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a net increase" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an overall increase in something after taking into account any decreases. For example, "Despite some drops in sales, the company experienced a net increase in profits last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, a net increase of 10% guideline adherence was observed during the 5-year observation period.

BMJ Open

Consequently, these cells showed a net loss of [K+]i, a net increase in [Na+]i, and depolarization of Em.

Biophysical Journal

Indeed, plans call for a net increase of trees.

The New York Times

That would give her a net increase of 47 delegates.

The New York Times

Only Surrey bucked the trend with a net increase of 20 officers in the force.

The Guardian

In addition, the company added a net increase of 359,000 broadband connections.

The New York Times - Tech

That left a net increase of 24,500 to a total population of over eight million.

The Guardian

Rather, it "saw a net increase of as much as $400,000," McIntire reported.

The New Yorker

(Honda and Trident did not return, making a net increase of six).

The New York Times

The dollar should adjust to spur a net increase in export and import competing industries.

The Economist

The plan included a net increase in government revenue of about $1 trillion over a decade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a net increase", ensure it's clear what elements are being netted. For example, "a net increase in profits after expenses."

Common error

The term "net" doesn't guarantee a positive result. Always double-check your calculations to ensure the increase is actually a net gain, not a net loss presented optimistically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a net increase" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of growth after accounting for deductions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a net increase" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a positive change after accounting for deductions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across various fields, especially in news, science, and business. Remember to clarify what's being netted for clear communication. While often indicating growth, "net" doesn't guarantee a positive outcome, so always verify the numbers. Using alternatives like "total increase" or "overall gain" can provide nuanced emphasis. Be mindful of the subtle but important distinction between "gross" and "net" increases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a total increase

This phrase emphasizes the overall increase without explicitly acknowledging any deductions.

an overall gain

This alternative highlights the positive result after considering both gains and losses.

a surplus

This term suggests an excess or remainder, implying more was added than subtracted.

a positive balance

This phrase indicates that the additions outweigh the subtractions, resulting in a favorable outcome.

a growth in

This option highlights the expansion or development in a particular area.

a rise in

This alternative focuses on the upward movement or increase in a specific metric.

an increment

This term refers to a small or gradual increase.

a positive change

This option highlights the positive nature of the increase, implying an improvement.

a cumulative increase

This implies an increase built up over time from smaller individual gains.

a resultant increase

This expresses an increase that is a direct consequence of a preceding action or cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "a net increase" to describe a positive change after accounting for deductions, such as "The company reported "a net increase" in subscribers this quarter."

What is an alternative to saying "a net increase"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a total increase", "an overall gain", or "a surplus" to convey a similar meaning.

What does "net" mean in the context of "a net increase"?

In this context, "net" means the final amount after subtracting any deductions or losses. So, "a net increase" signifies the overall growth after accounting for any decreases.

Is "a net increase" the same as "a gross increase"?

No, "a gross increase" refers to the total increase before any deductions, while "a net increase" is the increase after deductions are taken into account. The "a gross increase" is typically a larger number than the "a net increase".