bump up

USAGE SUMMARY

"bump up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally, it means to increase something, either in quantity, price, value, etc. For example: "My boss bumped up my salary by 10% after I demonstrated my value to the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

1) Density: "People bump up against each other.

The New Yorker

Souvenir hunters are also likely to bump up the handle.

The New York Times - Sports

Features like color pages bump up the costs, too.

The New York Times

They also bump up against the complexities of modifying securitised loans.

The Economist

The suppliers rely on glitches and delays to bump up the cost.

The Economist

Even if you do, the best principles sometimes bump up against practical limitations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Why not bump up all state pensions, regardless whether the beneficiaries are rich or poor?

The Economist

Maybe he could bump up against just a little more love.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Conversely, the bump-up offsets a smaller portion of the cut when benefits are higher.

The New York Times

2. Get a fixed annual bump-up.

Forbes

Choose a bump-up CD.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bump up" when you want to convey a sense of a quick or noticeable increase. It's suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

While "bump up" is common, it might be too informal for highly professional or academic writing. Choose a more formal alternative like "increase" or "raise" when precision and formality are crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "bump up" primarily functions as a transitive verb, requiring an object. Ludwig indicates that it signifies an action performed on something to elevate its level, quantity, or status. It is commonly used to describe the act of increasing numerical values or improving a position.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bump up" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe an increase or promotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, with common usage in contexts like News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards informal, suggesting that more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase is useful for conveying a sense of quick or noticeable improvement. Consider alternatives like "increase", "raise", or "promote" depending on the specific context. Avoid overusing "bump up" in situations where a more precise or formal term is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase

A general term for making something larger or more numerous.

raise

Implies lifting something to a higher position or level.

boost

Suggests a sudden and significant increase or improvement.

escalate

Indicates a gradual or progressive increase, often in intensity.

augment

Means to add something in order to improve or complete it.

promote

Specifically refers to advancing someone to a higher rank or position.

advance

To move something forward or to a higher level or degree.

step up

Suggests an increase in effort or intensity.

inflate

To increase something by an unwarrented amount, such as a price or wage.

enlarge

To make something physically bigger.

FAQs

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

You can use "bump up" to describe increasing something. For instance, "The company decided to "bump up" production to meet the rising demand".

What's a less informal way to say "bump up"?

Consider using terms like "increase", "raise", or "augment" as more formal alternatives to "bump up" depending on the nuance you intend to convey.

Is "bump up" appropriate for business writing?

While "bump up" is acceptable in many business contexts, more formal terms like "elevate" or "promote" might be preferable, depending on the specific situation and audience.

What is the difference between "bump up" and "increase"?

"Bump up" often implies a quicker, more noticeable change than "increase", which is a more general term for making something larger. "Bump up" can also suggest a promotion, while increase doesn't.