creep up

USAGE SUMMARY

"creep up" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something slowly increasing in a subtle or undetectable way. For example, "The cost of living has been creeping up all year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Response times could creep up.

The New York Times

Mosses creep up the trunks of trees.

The New York Times

It may creep up on you".

The New York Times

Seemingly minor characters creep up on you.

The Guardian - Books

"These injuries creep up insidiously," she said.

The New York Times

Then that began to creep up.

The Guardian - Film

"All I could do is sit back there, creep up, creep up, creep up and see if I could get him there," Smith said.

The New York Times - Sports

THE BILL Prices can creep up on you.

The New York Times

But they have since started to creep up again.

The Economist

Indeed, Madeira's debt estimates continue to creep up.

The New York Times

Food prices have only started to creep up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "creep up" to describe gradual and often unnoticed increases in quantities, feelings, or phenomena. For instance, "Inflation can creep up without you realizing it."

Common error

Avoid using "creep up" when describing sudden or abrupt changes. The phrase implies a slow, almost imperceptible progression, so ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "creep up" primarily functions as an intransitive phrasal verb. It describes a gradual increase or approach, often happening subtly or unnoticed. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples showing how different things can "creep up".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "creep up" effectively describes a gradual, often subtle, increase or approach. As Ludwig highlights, it’s grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, including news, media, and scientific writing. While synonyms like "sneak up" and "gradually increase" exist, "creep up" specifically emphasizes the quiet, almost imperceptible nature of the change. It's essential to use this phrase accurately, ensuring it aligns with the intended pace of change being described, which is not sudden. With a neutral register and widespread application, "creep up" remains a versatile and valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sneak up

Focuses on stealth and secrecy in approaching or increasing.

gradually increase

Emphasizes the slow and incremental nature of the increase.

slowly approach

Highlights the gradual movement and coming nearer.

quietly advance

Suggests a lack of noise or fanfare in the progression.

inch forward

Conveys a sense of very small, almost imperceptible progress.

insidiously develop

Indicates a subtle and potentially harmful progression.

stealthily rise

Combines the idea of secrecy with an upward movement or increase.

imperceptibly grow

Emphasizes the difficulty in noticing the increase.

loom

Implies a sense of impending threat or importance as something approaches.

gain on

Suggests approaching someone or something in a race or competition.

FAQs

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

You can use "creep up" to describe something that increases or approaches gradually and often unnoticed. For example, "The deadline seemed far away, but it started to "creep up" on me quickly".

What are some synonyms for "creep up"?

Some alternatives to "creep up" include "sneak up", "gradually increase", or "slowly approach" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "creep up" in formal writing?

Yes, "creep up" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when describing a gradual or subtle change. However, be mindful of the specific tone and ensure it aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

What's the difference between "creep up" and "suddenly increase"?

"Creep up" implies a slow and gradual increase, often unnoticed, while "suddenly increase" suggests an abrupt and immediate change. The choice depends on the nature of the change you're describing.