accrue

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'accrue' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an increase or accumulation of something over time, either in a literal or figurative sense. For example: "The company was able to accrue a large amount of wealth over the past 10 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Speaking after the vote, the Very Rev David Arnott, coordinator of the Church's principal clerk's office, said: "The general assembly understood this to be a logical extension of the benefits which accrue to those in civil partnership".

The Guardian

Jones must accrue the 60 days' clinical practice and study time the Health and Care Professions Council regulator has made mandatory for those who have not practised for five years or more.

The Guardian

Indigenous affairs minister, Nigel Scullion Requiring five hours of work a day ensured a return to work after lunch which was a "challenging discipline," although Guardian Australia understands the weekly hours would be flexible to allow people to accrue time in lieu.

The Guardian

My old manager is of the opinion that comedians are only popular for a short time, and that in that time they should try to accrue as much as possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

'Young people leave the farms because they perceive them as being an economic dead-end where they will be tied to the land and struggle to accrue income,' writes Fan So-han in an email.

The Guardian

Those of us trying to preserve our integrity as journalists fight a constant rearguard action – against proprietors who set little store by integrity, and against a government that tries to accrue power by restricting freedom of expression and ringfencing public debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

In addition, "private practice creates a perverse incentive to increase your NHS waiting times – after all, the longer they are, the more private practice will accrue".

The Guardian

He dismisses the new combined authorities as the "same old middle-aged men who are simply trying to accrue a few more powers to themselves and call that devolution".

The Guardian

In a dozen states men continue to accrue child-support obligations if they are in prison, from which they can emerge owing thousands of dollars.

The Economist

But the main benefits will accrue to Egypt's dominant big firms, and to the Gulf companies that follow their government's investments.

The Economist

Both sides are aware of the tensions that might accrue once short-term needs are met.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "accrue" when referring to the gradual accumulation of benefits, rights, or sums of money over time. It adds a sense of formal progression to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "accrue to" when simply meaning "increase". "Accrue to" implies that the benefits are specifically received by someone or something. Use "accrue" alone when describing a general increase.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "accrue" is as a verb. It typically describes the process of gradually accumulating or increasing something over time. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in describing how benefits, interest, or rights are gained incrementally. The Ludwig AI identifies its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "accrue" is a verb that signifies a gradual accumulation or increase over time, commonly in financial or legal contexts. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its synonyms include "accumulate", "build up", and "increase gradually", each carrying slightly different nuances. The register is generally neutral to formal, making it suitable for professional and news contexts. Common errors involve misusing "accrue to". The provided examples showcase its versatility, making it a valuable term for precise and sophisticated communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accumulate

Implies a gathering or amassing of something, often over time, similar to accrue, but can also refer to immediate collections.

build up

Suggests a gradual increase, often in a less formal context than "accrue". It can also imply a more substantial accumulation.

increase gradually

Emphasizes the incremental nature of the growth, making it a more descriptive alternative to "accrue".

gather

Indicates a bringing together or collecting of items, which can happen over time, though it doesn't necessarily imply it.

collect

Suggests a deliberate assembling of items, whereas "accrue" often implies a more passive accumulation.

mount up

Implies a gradual increase, often of something negative like debt or problems. It's a slightly less formal alternative.

grow gradually

Focuses on the slow and steady increase, suitable when highlighting the progression over time.

pile up

Suggests an accumulation, often in a disorganized or overwhelming manner. It is less formal than "accrue".

roll up

Suggests an accumulation, often used in the financial context.

chalk up

Implies that someone has gained some kind of achievement or advantage.

FAQs

How is "accrue" typically used in a sentence?

The word "accrue" is often used to describe the accumulation of interest, benefits, or rights over time. For example, "Interest will "accrue" on the account daily" or "Employees "accrue" vacation time based on their tenure".

What are some synonyms for "accrue"?

Some synonyms for "accrue" include "accumulate", "build up", "increase gradually", and "collect". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something "accrues to" someone?

Yes, it is correct to say something "accrues to" someone, but it has a specific meaning. It means that the benefits or advantages specifically go to or are received by that person or entity. For example, "The benefits "accrue" to the shareholders".

What is the difference between "accrue" and "accumulate"?

"Accrue" often implies a gradual and natural increase over time, especially in financial or legal contexts. "Accumulate", on the other hand, suggests a deliberate gathering or collecting of items. While similar, "accrue" emphasizes the process of growth, whereas "accumulate" focuses on the end result of having gathered something.