a slight increase in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight increase in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a small rise or growth in a particular measurement or statistic. Example: "There was a slight increase in sales during the holiday season compared to last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There was even a slight increase in English and maths.

The Guardian

Last year, there was a slight increase in population.

The New York Times

These days, however, there is movement in the market — propelled by a slight increase in foreclosures.

The New York Times

Japan's industrial production posted only a slight increase in February, restrained by slowing overseas economies.

The New York Times

The company's magazines and inserts division reported a slight increase in operating income, to $76 million.

The New York Times

Still, spokesmen for several Toronto hotels said there had been only a slight increase in reservations.

The New York Times - Travel

DfID has worked with Brac before and the amount represents a slight increase in funding.

The Guardian

The changes will result in a slight increase in Nortel's borrowing costs.

The New York Times

Caterpillar said a slight increase in sales was offset by higher costs and expenses.

The New York Times

Back here in the UK, there are sudden worries about a slight increase in inflation.

The Guardian - Business

'But you have to take massive amounts to achieve even a slight increase in risk.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight increase in", ensure that the context provides specific details or measurements to quantify the increase, even if it's small. This adds credibility and clarity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight increase in" when the actual increase is negligible or statistically insignificant. Overemphasizing a minimal change can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

A slight increase in functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a small positive change or growth in something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight increase in" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a small positive change or growth. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, further supported by its frequent appearance in diverse sources like news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the specific area experiencing the increase. While versatile, avoid overstating the increase's significance if the change is negligible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marginal rise in

Replaces "increase" with "rise" and "slight" with "marginal", indicating a minimal increase.

a small uptick in

Uses "uptick" instead of "increase", suggesting a small, often temporary, increase.

a modest growth in

Substitutes "increase" with "growth" and "slight" with "modest", implying a limited expansion.

a minor improvement in

Replaces "increase" with "improvement" and "slight" with "minor", suggesting a small positive change.

a gentle escalation in

Uses "escalation" instead of "increase" and "gentle" instead of "slight", suggesting a gradual rise.

a mild augmentation in

Substitutes "increase" with "augmentation" and "slight" with "mild", implying a subtle increase.

a fractional increment in

Replaces "increase" with "increment" and "slight" with "fractional", suggesting a very small increase.

a touch of elevation in

Uses "elevation" instead of "increase" and "touch" instead of "slight", indicating a minimal upward change.

a whisper of expansion in

Substitutes "increase" with "expansion" and "slight" with "whisper", implying a barely noticeable growth.

a hint of surge in

Replaces "increase" with "surge" and "slight" with "hint", suggesting a subtle sudden increase.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight increase in" to describe a small positive change or growth. For example, "There was "a slight increase in" sales this quarter."

What are some alternatives to saying "a slight increase in"?

Alternatives include "a marginal rise in", "a small uptick in", or "a modest growth in", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a slight increase in" when the change is minimal?

Yes, "a slight increase in" is appropriate when the change is small but noticeable. However, avoid using it if the change is statistically insignificant.

What's the difference between "a slight increase in" and "a significant increase in"?

"A slight increase in" indicates a small positive change, while "a significant increase in" implies a much larger and more impactful change.