an upward trajectory

USAGE SUMMARY

"an upward trajectory" is an acceptable phrase used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a positive trend or development. For example, "The company's sales have been following an upward trajectory for the past four quarters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're on an upward trajectory here.

The Washington Post

"English wines really are on an upward trajectory.

The Guardian - Business

His club career has been on an upward trajectory too.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's nice to see an upward trajectory," Mr. Ketchum said.

The New York Times

I believe we are on an upward trajectory".

Independent

"But there are some signs that we are back on an upward trajectory".

The Guardian

However, household incomes had already been on an upward trajectory since 1991.

The Guardian

With energy costs on an upward trajectory and ever tightening carbon budgets, urgent action is needed.

The Guardian - Business

Bury finished last season on an upward trajectory following David Flitcroft's appointment as manager in December.

The Guardian - Sport

For perhaps a century, Vance explains, the region was on an upward trajectory.

The New Yorker

All rely on an upward trajectory of fear and risk aversion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an upward trajectory" to describe a situation or trend that is improving or progressing positively over time. It is effective in business reports, academic papers, and news articles to convey growth or advancement.

Common error

Avoid using "an upward trajectory" to describe situations with short-term improvements that may not represent a long-term trend. Ensure the positive trend is sustained and not just a temporary fluctuation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an upward trajectory" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes the direction or path of a particular trend or development, implying continuous improvement. Ludwig AI examples showcase its frequent use in describing positive growth in various sectors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an upward trajectory" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a positive trend or development. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of formal contexts, particularly in business, news, and science-related writing. While simpler alternatives exist, "an upward trajectory" provides a concise and effective way to communicate progress and optimism. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that the positive trend is sustained and not just a temporary fluctuation. Top authoritative sources are The Guardian, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a positive trend

Focuses on the general direction of change rather than a specific path.

a rising trend

Highlights the increasing nature of the development.

a growth path

Emphasizes development and increase, suitable for economic or business contexts.

a progressive course

Implies a forward-moving and improving direction.

an advance in progress

Focuses on ongoing improvement or progress.

a climb in progress

Suggests effort and advancement towards a higher position.

gaining momentum

Highlights the increasing speed and force of the positive change.

an improving situation

Describes a state that is getting better, often used in general contexts.

a turn for the better

Indicates a change from negative to positive.

a step forward

Represents a single instance of advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "an upward trajectory" in a sentence?

You can use "an upward trajectory" to describe growth or positive development, such as: "The company's profits are on "an upward trajectory" this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "an upward trajectory"?

Alternatives include "a positive trend", "a growth path", or "a rising trend", depending on the specific context you're using it in.

Is it appropriate to use "an upward trajectory" in informal writing?

While generally suitable for formal contexts, "an upward trajectory" can be used in informal writing if you aim to convey a sense of progress or improvement with a slightly more sophisticated tone. Simpler alternatives might be more suitable for very informal contexts.

Which is more appropriate, "upward trajectory" or "downward trajectory"?

Both "upward trajectory" and "downward trajectory" are valid phrases. "Upward trajectory" describes positive growth or improvement, while "downward trajectory" indicates decline or worsening conditions. The correct choice depends on the situation you're describing.