an incremental increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an incremental increase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing gradual or step-by-step growth or improvement in a particular context, such as finance, project management, or performance metrics. Example: "The company reported an incremental increase in sales over the last quarter, indicating a positive trend in consumer demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Productivity improved 30 percent with an incremental increase in face-to-face communication, Dr. Pentland said.

The New York Times

Since then there has been an incremental increase, with more pressure piled on.

The Guardian

A stimulus is not a stimulus unless it causes an incremental increase in aggregate spending.

The New York Times

The experimental results show an incremental increase in grain size and (100 -surface texture with an increase in scan number.

Columbia University

Rather, they reflect an incremental increase that shifted as the fighting moved from sparsely-populated areas to urban centers.

The New York Times

"Patients with presbycusis perceive an incremental increase in loudness to be much greater than those with normal hearing," he said.

The New York Times - Science

But even with an incremental increase, minimum wages still tend to be below what most people consider a living wage.

The New York Times

The 18th MLS season kicked off with an incremental increase in expectation about the potential contribution of the players added to club rosters via the homegrown rule.

The Guardian - Sport

A restatement attributable to fraud results in an incremental increase in attention relative to restatements stemming from the misapplication of GAAP.

Columbia University

However, the risk of damage to their brand if standards are not met should mean, as a minimum, an incremental increase in scrutiny and application of standards throughout.

The Guardian

Analysts said G.M. would most likely build 2,000 to 3,000 ELRs a year, which represents an incremental increase in its plug-in production.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an incremental increase", ensure the context clearly indicates what is increasing and over what period, for example, "an incremental increase in monthly sales".

Common error

Avoid using "an incremental increase" when referring to a substantial or rapid change. This phrase specifically denotes a small, gradual change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an incremental increase" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes the action or state of something gradually increasing. Ludwig confirms its accurate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

33%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an incremental increase" is a noun phrase used to describe a gradual rise or growth. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The phrase appears frequently in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, consider the magnitude of the increase to ensure it aligns with the gradual nature implied by "incremental". Alternatives such as "a gradual rise" or "a slight uptick" may be used depending on the specific context and the scale of the increase. Understanding the appropriate use and context of "an incremental increase" will enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gradual rise

Emphasizes the slowness and steadiness of the increase.

a slight uptick

Highlights that the increase is small and possibly temporary.

a step-by-step growth

Focuses on the phased and methodical nature of the increase.

a marginal improvement

Indicates that the increase is minimal and may not be significant.

a progressive gain

Stresses the ongoing and continuous nature of the increase.

a creeping expansion

Implies a slow and almost imperceptible increase.

a fractional advance

Suggests that the increase is very small and measured in fractions.

a measured escalation

Highlights that the increase is controlled and deliberate.

a staged augmentation

Focuses on the planned and deliberate nature of the increase.

a bit-by-bit accretion

Emphasizes the gradual accumulation that leads to the increase.

FAQs

How do you use "an incremental increase" in a sentence?

You can use "an incremental increase" to describe a gradual rise in something over time. For example, "The company saw "a gradual increase" in profits this quarter."

What's a good alternative to "an incremental increase"?

Alternatives include "a gradual rise", "a slight uptick", or "a marginal improvement", depending on the specific context and scale of the increase.

Is it appropriate to use "an incremental increase" when the change is significant?

No, "an incremental increase" is best used to describe small, gradual changes. For larger changes, consider using phrases like "a significant increase" or "a substantial rise".

What is the difference between "an incremental increase" and "a significant increase"?

"An incremental increase" refers to a small, gradual change, whereas "a significant increase" indicates a larger, more noticeable change. The choice depends on the magnitude of the increase you are describing.