adjust up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adjust up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to increasing a value, measurement, or setting in various contexts, such as finance, engineering, or general adjustments. Example: "We need to adjust up the budget for the upcoming project to account for inflation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Alternatively, interest rates on the adjustable rate mortgages of many sub-prime borrowers will adjust up dramatically this year and force them into defaults and house sales.

Forbes

"And as we see changes in the threat condition, adjust up or down.

The New York Times

"But if you're not, I'm cautioning against it because the rate will adjust up substantially once rates start going up".

The New York Times

At $2,895 a month plus a broker's fee, the cost was on the high side, but "we decided we would adjust up," Mr. Igyarto said.

The New York Times

"And then you adjust up and say again, 'I'm not going above this!' " She saw a place in April 2003 that she liked, had a few questions answered by a broker, and by the next day was ready to deal.

The New York Times

People use the populations of the cities they live in as a starting point, from which they adjust up or down.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

One of his most significant ideas was the adjustable ebony tailpiece, which adjusts up and down in order to vary string tension on the bridge.

Forbes

But the final pay-off is adjusted up if prices rise, guaranteeing a real return.

The Economist

With such a device, Mr. Gifford said, the temperature of the water coursing through the building can be adjusted up or down in response to the outdoor temperature.

The New York Times

The Federal Reserve reported this week that the amount of revolving consumer credit that is outstanding hit $937.5 billion in November, seasonally adjusted, up 7.4percentt from a year earlier.

The New York Times

The frequency of a note is adjusted up or down, sacrificing some harmony in all keys so none are too dissonant.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adjust up", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being increased or modified. Be specific about the parameter or value you are changing.

Common error

While "adjust up" is acceptable, avoid relying on it excessively in formal documents. Opt for more precise verbs like "increase", "raise", or "augment" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adjust up" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It's used to describe the action of increasing or modifying something to a higher level or setting. Ludwig provides examples showing this usage in diverse contexts, from financial adjustments to technological configurations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adjust up" is a phrasal verb used to describe the process of increasing or modifying something to a higher level. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's more common in news and general contexts than in formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "increase" or "raise" for a more formal tone. When using "adjust up", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being modified. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its versatile application in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase

Direct synonym referring to making something larger or more.

raise

Suggests lifting or elevating something to a higher level.

increment

Implies a gradual increase, often in numerical value.

scale up

To increase in size or extent.

ramp up

To increase the level or intensity of something.

turn up

Increase the intensity or volume.

boost

To improve or increase something.

enhance

To improve the quality or value of something.

refine up

To improve or perfect something to a higher standard.

tailor up

To adjust specifically for a purpose, making changes to improve it.

FAQs

How can I use "adjust up" in a sentence?

You can use "adjust up" to describe increasing a value or setting, such as, "We need to "increase" the budget" or "raise the temperature".

What's the difference between "adjust up" and "increase"?

"Adjust up" implies a deliberate change to a higher level, whereas "increase" is a more general term for making something larger. While both are similar, "adjust up" suggests a more controlled modification.

Are there formal alternatives to "adjust up"?

Yes, depending on the context, consider using "augment", "elevate", or "maximize" for a more formal tone.

Is "adjust up" appropriate for scientific writing?

Yes, "adjust up" is appropriate for scientific writing when describing the modification of experimental parameters or measurements. However, ensure clarity and precision in your description.