an increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an increase" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when referring to an increase in size, amount, or degree. For example, "There has been an increase in online shopping due to the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An increase in power means an increase in heat output.

Independent

An increase in absorbance indicates an increase in reduction ability.

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

"I'm seeing an increase.

The New York Times

But how big an increase?

The New York Times

Analysts had forecast an increase.

The New York Times

Yeah, it was an increase.

The New York Times

But an increase looms.

The New York Times

Only its brokerage unit reported an increase.

The New York Times

The result was an increase in neighbourliness.

Independent

There is no room for an increase.

The Guardian - Business

Then there was an increase in prostitution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an increase", specify the area or quantity that is increasing for clarity. For instance, instead of saying "there was an increase", specify "there was an increase in sales".

Common error

Avoid using "an increase" without a clear reference point. Ambiguous statements like "an increase was observed" leave the reader wondering what exactly increased. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an increase" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a rise in quantity, size, or intensity. Examples show it used to describe rises in prices, rates, or any measurable quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an increase" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to indicate a rise or growth. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts. It's important to provide a clear subject matter to avoid ambiguity, specifying what exactly is increasing. While alternatives like "a rise" or "a growth" exist, "an increase" often carries a connotation of measurable precision. Predominantly found in news and scientific sources, its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Remember to specify the area that's increasing to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a growth

Substitutes "increase" with "growth", focusing on the process of growing.

a rise

Replaces "increase" with "rise", suggesting an upward movement or elevation.

an upsurge

Emphasizes a sudden and significant increase.

a surge

Similar to "upsurge" but can also imply a less sudden increase.

an escalation

Implies a gradual but steady increase, often in intensity or severity.

a boost

Suggests a helpful or beneficial increase.

an expansion

Focuses on growth in size or scope.

a jump

Emphasizes a quick and significant increase.

a proliferation

Indicates a rapid increase in number or amount.

a development

Focuses on progress or advancement.

FAQs

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

You can use "an increase" to describe a rise in quantity, size, or intensity. For example, "There has been "an increase" in the number of students applying to universities this year".

What are some alternatives to saying "an increase"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a rise", "a growth", or "an upsurge".

Is it ever incorrect to use "an increase"?

While grammatically correct, using "an increase" can be vague without a specific subject. For example, saying ""an increase" was noted" is less effective than stating "An increase in temperature was noted".

What's the difference between "an increase" and "a rise"?

While similar, ""an increase"" generally refers to a quantifiable amount, whereas "a rise" can be more abstract. Both can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but ""an increase"" often implies more precision.