cascade upwards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cascade upwards" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a process where something flows or increases in intensity or effect from a lower level to a higher one. For example, "The changes in policy will cascade upwards, affecting all levels of the organization." Alternative expressions include "flow upward" and "rise in effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is attributed to a combination of phenomena; these include the mobilization of building rocking due to splice fracture, and the tendency of fractures to cascade upwards through individual columns rather than across a story.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

So when a series of stressful events hits you in rapid succession -- your stress levels build in a stepwise fashion- cascading upwards.

Huffington Post

Instead of subsidiarity devolution to the lowest possible level of government the reverse operates, or what might be called the cascade principle, with power seeping upwards not downwards.

The Economist

Property wealth, rather than "cascading down the generations", as John Major promised, is congealing upwards.

The Guardian - Money

More products are coming down the pike, too: Tanner (0.25 micron, upwards of 500 MHz) in the first half of 1999 and Cascades (0.18 micron upwards of 600 MHz) in the second half of the year, followed by Merced in mid-2000 and Foster, which will presumably run upwards of 700 MHz in 2000.

Forbes

Currently up for sale, the six-acre estate, which features a 50,000sq ft main house and cascading waterfalls down to an ornate swimming pool, is expected to cost its eventual purchaser upwards of $175m£135m5m).

The Guardian - Film

The traditional Kolmogorov-like cascade, involving interactions between incompressible modes, is inhibited, since for its development it requires waves propagating both upwards and downwards in the atmosphere.

Advances in Space Research

While the principal cause(s) of AMD that results in accumulation of drusen is debated, upwards of 75%% of AMD cases are associated with polymorphisms in components of the complement cascade [ 13], and cellular immune responses have been shown to be part of the AMD gene expression signature common to early AMD, GA, and CNV [ 14].

Genome Medicine

And why would we ever think otherwise, given her cascading Goldilocks, the unnervingly perfect symmetry of her face, bisected by a bright wide smile that forces upwards and outwards those apple-shiny Anne Of Green Gables cheekbones?

The Guardian - Film

Surprises cascade.

The New Yorker

Waterfalls cascade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cascade upwards" when you want to emphasize both a flowing or cascading action combined with an upward direction or increase in intensity. This phrase is particularly useful in describing abstract concepts, like the spread of information or the escalation of emotions.

Common error

Avoid using "cascade upwards" when describing a downward flow or a simple increase without a flowing or cascading element. Ensure the context involves a process that not only increases but also spreads or flows in an upward direction.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cascade upwards" is that of a compound verb phrase. It describes a process where something flows or increases in intensity, moving from a lower to a higher state. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase, although not very common, is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cascade upwards" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an upward flowing movement or escalation. While not particularly common, as shown by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize both the flowing nature and the upward direction of a process. Be mindful of not using it for solely downward flows, or simple increases, since the aiResponseStatus from Ludwig confirms this. Consider alternatives like "ascend gradually" or "escalate incrementally" when the cascading or upward motion is not central to your description. It's worth noting that Ludwig AI identified it as correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop upwards

Focuses solely on the direction of development, removing the notion of a cascade.

ascend gradually

Focuses on the gradual nature of the upward movement, differing from the cascading image.

escalate incrementally

Emphasizes the stepwise increase in intensity or effect, rather than a flowing motion.

rise incrementally

Focuses on the gradual increase, omitting the cascading flow.

build up gradually

Highlights the gradual accumulation and increase, differing from a direct flow.

progress steadily

Highlights the consistent and unwavering upward trend, removing the cascading aspect.

move up in stages

Highlights the staged progression but lacks the cascading connotation.

intensify gradually

Focuses on the increasing intensity rather than a physical upward movement.

increase successively

Focuses on the sequential nature of the increase, not necessarily upward.

grow steadily

Emphasizes the consistent increase or development, but is less specific about upward movement or cascading.

FAQs

How can I use "cascade upwards" in a sentence?

You can use "cascade upwards" to describe a situation where something flows or increases in intensity from a lower to a higher level. For example, "The positive effects of the new policy will cascade upwards, benefiting all levels of the organization."

What are some alternatives to "cascade upwards"?

Alternatives include "ascend gradually", "escalate incrementally", or "develop upwards", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "cascade upwards"?

"Cascade upwards" is suitable when describing processes or effects that not only increase but also spread or flow in an upward direction. This can apply to both concrete and abstract scenarios, such as the upward flow of energy in a system or the increasing influence of an idea.

Is "cascade upwards" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "cascade upwards" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the specific subject matter and audience than on the level of formality.