continue to proliferate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to proliferate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ongoing growth or spread of something, such as ideas, trends, or species. Example: "In recent years, social media platforms have continued to proliferate, changing the way we communicate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Google Maps mash-ups continue to proliferate.

The New York Times

But the titles continue to proliferate.

The New York Times

Alternative entertainment and media options continue to proliferate.

The New York Times - Sports

Awards ceremonies continue to proliferate but radio has relatively few.

The Guardian

Residential buildings, IT parks and malls continue to proliferate.

The Guardian

Restaurants with little market areas continue to proliferate.

The New York Times - Food

Critics contend that such incidents will continue to proliferate until stricter nationality rules are enforced.

The New York Times - Sports

Entertainment options continue to proliferate, with ease of access being an increasing allurement.

The New York Times

Yet, in the peripheral zones, beyond the tourist's reach, informal settlements continue to proliferate.

The Guardian

Still, mind-body cardio classes continue to proliferate and to win converts.

The New York Times

But the cameras continue to proliferate -- with many people buying them for personal use.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continue to proliferate" when you want to emphasize the ongoing and often rapid increase or spread of something, particularly in contexts where the growth might be considered excessive or problematic.

Common error

Avoid using "continue to proliferate" in very casual or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "keep growing" or "continue to increase" may be more appropriate for everyday conversations or less formal content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to proliferate" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing process of growth or spread. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is often used to describe trends, technologies, or even biological phenomena that are expanding rapidly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to proliferate" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe ongoing growth or spread, often with an implication of rapid or excessive increase. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While suitable for formal contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for casual conversation. Ludwig's analysis points out that "continue to proliferate" effectively conveys sustained expansion and is best employed when you want to highlight the ongoing and potentially impactful nature of something's growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to flourish

Focuses on thriving and successful development rather than simple increase.

continue to grow

A more general term for increase in size or number.

persist in spreading

Emphasizes the persistent and ongoing nature of the spread.

continue to expand

Implies a widening scope or reach, rather than just numerical increase.

continue to multiply

Specifically refers to a rapid increase in number, like reproduction.

keep spreading

Informal way to express the ongoing expansion or distribution.

maintain its growth

Highlights the sustained nature of growth.

show sustained increase

Focuses on the continuous and prolonged rise.

remain prevalent

Emphasizes the continued widespread existence.

continue to arise

Highlights the ongoing appearance or emergence.

FAQs

How can I use "continue to proliferate" in a sentence?

You can use "continue to proliferate" to describe the ongoing growth or spread of something. For example, "Digital devices "continue to proliferate" in modern society."

What are some alternatives to "continue to proliferate"?

Some alternatives include "continue to grow", "continue to expand", or "persist in spreading", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "continue to proliferate" in formal writing?

Yes, "continue to proliferate" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, or business contexts where a precise description of ongoing growth or spread is needed.

What is the difference between "continue to proliferate" and "continue to increase"?

"Continue to increase" is a more general term for growth, while "continue to proliferate" often implies a rapid or excessive spread. For instance, you might say "the number of students continues to increase", but "misinformation continues to proliferate".