a small increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small increase" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small increase in something, such as a number, size, or amount. Example: "Revenue for the quarter showed a small increase compared to the same period last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It represents a small increase from 2009.

The New York Times

There was a small increase in diabetes.

The New York Times - Health

President Clinton's latest budget proposal requests only a small increase.

The New York Times

The N.H.L. would be happy with a small increase.

The New York Times - Sports

April, as a result, showed a small increase, 0.1percentt.

The New York Times

There may be a small increase in the prices charged".

The Guardian - Travel

The forecast is a small increase over last year's performance.

The New York Times

This year, there has been a small increase in circulation.

The New York Times

The commission proposed a small increase in family immigration.

The Washington Post

A small increase stems from an aging population.

The New York Times

This may lead to a small increase in stopping distance".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small increase", provide context to quantify the increase if possible. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, "a small increase of 2%" is more informative than just "a small increase".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of "a small increase". Ensure your language reflects the modest nature of the change, rather than portraying it as a major shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small increase" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a minimal upward change in quantity, size, or intensity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

34%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small increase" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a minimal upward change. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, providing context to quantify the increase can enhance clarity. Remember that "a small increase" doesn't always imply a positive outcome; its connotation depends on the context. Alternatives like "a slight rise" or "a minor uptick" can be used to add subtle variations in meaning. The consistent usage and wide applicability of "a small increase" make it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight rise

Replaces "increase" with "rise", indicating a similar upward trend but with a gentler connotation.

a minor uptick

Substitutes "increase" with "uptick", suggesting a small and often temporary improvement.

a marginal gain

Replaces "increase" with "gain", emphasizing the positive aspect of the small change.

a modest improvement

Changes the noun to "improvement", highlighting the positive nature of the increase.

a limited growth

Replaces "increase" with "growth", focusing on the expansion aspect of the small change.

a negligible addition

Substitutes "increase" with "addition", emphasizing that the increase is so small that is almost insignificant.

a fractional increment

Replaces "increase" with "increment", indicating a very small step in growth or value.

a mild escalation

Substitutes "increase" with "escalation", adding a nuance of intensity while maintaining the small scale.

a diminutive augmentation

Replaces "increase" with "augmentation", suggesting a slight expansion or enhancement.

a measured advance

Changes the noun to "advance", pointing out the increase as a progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small increase" to describe a marginal growth or rise in something. For example: "The company reported "a small increase" in profits this quarter".

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

"A small increase" indicates a marginal rise, whereas "a significant increase" suggests a substantial and noteworthy rise. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change you're describing.

What are some alternatives to "a small increase"?

You can use alternatives like "a slight rise", "a minor uptick", or "a marginal gain" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always positive to have "a small increase"?

Not necessarily. Whether "a small increase" is positive depends on the context. For instance, "a small increase" in sales is usually good, but "a small increase" in debt might be concerning.