a significant increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant increase" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize a large increase in something. For example, "The financial figures show a significant increase in profits this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a significant increase in enjoyment".

The New York Times

Only four have registered a significant increase.

Independent

It was not a significant increase.

The New York Times

It was responsible for a significant increase in GCSE results.

The Guardian

What's needed is a significant increase in training programmes.

The Guardian

Every year we wait, there's a significant increase in costs".

The New York Times

"There has been a significant increase in more complex work.

The Guardian

The government's commitment is a significant increase on past expenditure.

The Guardian

Risk of lung cancer also showed a significant increase.

The Guardian

"That's a significant increase," Ms. Kirkpatrick said.

The New York Times

And we have a significant increase in compliance requirements.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant increase" to emphasize a considerable change that is important or noteworthy. Quantify the increase whenever possible to provide more context.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant increase" without providing context or quantification. State the specific area of increase and, if possible, the before and after values to provide a clearer picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant increase" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a notable and meaningful rise in quantity, size, or intensity, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant increase" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a notable rise. Ludwig's analysis confirms its prevalence across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, it’s best practice to provide context and, ideally, quantify the increase to enhance clarity and impact. While versatile, avoid overuse without specific details. Numerous examples demonstrate its applicability, and while some alternatives exist, "a significant increase" remains a clear and effective way to communicate a meaningful change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable rise

Replaces "significant increase" with a more general term for increase, while maintaining the sense of importance.

a marked growth

Uses "growth" instead of "increase" to suggest development or expansion, still implying a notable degree.

a substantial jump

Employs "jump" to denote a sudden and considerable increase.

a noticeable upturn

Indicates a clear and easily observed increase or improvement.

a major escalation

Suggests an increase in intensity or severity rather than just quantity.

a pronounced surge

Conveys a sudden and strong increase, often temporary.

a dramatic expansion

Highlights the extent and impact of the increase, framing it as a large-scale change.

a steep climb

Emphasizes the rapid nature of the increase.

a considerable augmentation

A more formal alternative, highlighting the process of adding to or enlarging something.

a large upswing

Suggests a positive turn or recovery leading to a notable increase.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant increase" to describe a notable rise or growth in something. For example, "There has been "a significant increase" in sales this quarter" or "The study showed "a significant increase" in student enrollment".

What are some alternatives to "a significant increase"?

Alternatives include "a considerable rise", "a marked growth", or "a substantial jump", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to quantify an increase after stating "a significant increase"?

Yes, quantifying the increase after using "a significant increase" provides valuable context and strengthens the statement. For example, "There was "a significant increase" of 20% in revenue."

What is the difference between "a significant increase" and "a slight increase"?

"A significant increase" indicates a large and important rise, while "a slight increase" suggests a small and relatively unimportant rise. The choice between the two depends on the magnitude of the change you are describing.