drift upwards

USAGE SUMMARY

"drift upwards" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe the movement of something as it gradually rises, such as "the smoke from the campfire drifted upwards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

For too long, the UK's biggest supermarket had let prices drift upwards as it tried to protect profits.

The Guardian - Business

From 2010, it would drift upwards until by 2020, women, like men, would be 65 before they were eligible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Figures released this week by the FBI show that, while property crimes continue to fall, the number of violent crimes has begun to drift upwards.

The Economist

"The Bank is at pains to say that when rates do start to move it will be gradual, so we should see a continuation of the drift upwards, but there might be an initial rush of deals disappearing".

The Guardian - Business

That is a tall order in an economy in which nominal growth is now running at 9%.The upshot is that China's credit-to-GDP level looks set to continue its steady drift upwards.

The Economist

Derrick believes this shift away from accumulating new reserves could have contributed to the drift upwards in US bond yields, and the downward pressure on a slew of currencies in recent months, including the euro, and the Canadian and Australian dollars.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Smoke drifts upwards".

The New York Times

But it also said inflation expectations had drifted upwards.

The New York Times

Although Reno's gambling revenues are still well below their 2000 peak, they have drifted upwards in the past three years.

The Economist

Smoke travels across the stage to this rubble, and there drifts upwards, giving the appearance of it being on fire.

The Guardian

Competition has driven them right down in recent weeks with some currently below 1 per cent, but they could start drifting upwards again in anticipation of future rises.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drift upwards" to describe a gradual and often unintended increase or movement. It works well for describing trends, physical movement, or abstract concepts that increase over time.

Common error

While "drift upwards" is acceptable in many contexts, it may sound too informal for highly formal or scientific writing. Consider using more precise and technical alternatives like "increase gradually" or "ascend incrementally" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drift upwards" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe a gradual increase or movement. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drift upwards" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes a gradual ascent or increase. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid in English and appropriate for various contexts. It is commonly found in news and media and scientific writing, indicating a neutral register. While versatile, consider more precise alternatives like "increase gradually" in formal writing. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its use in describing trends, physical movements, and abstract concepts alike. When choosing between "drift upwards" and similar phrases, consider whether you want to emphasize the gradual and unintended nature of the movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually ascend

Focuses on the action of ascending but emphasizes the gradual nature of the movement.

slowly rise

Highlights the slowness of the upward movement.

move incrementally higher

Emphasizes the small steps in the upward direction.

increase gradually

Shifts the focus from physical movement to a general increase.

ascend little by little

Underscores the piecemeal nature of the ascent.

climb slowly

Similar to 'slowly rise' but implies more effort or a steeper angle.

rise incrementally

Mirrors 'move incrementally higher' but uses 'rise' instead of 'move'.

progress upward steadily

Focuses on the consistent and unwavering upward direction.

escalate slowly

Conveys a gradual increase in intensity or degree, applicable to abstract concepts.

inch upwards

Implies a very small and almost imperceptible upward movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "drift upwards" to describe a gradual increase or movement, as in "Inflation expectations have "drifted upwards" since August" or "Smoke "drifts upwards" from the campfire".

What's a more formal way to say "drift upwards"?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "increase gradually", "ascend incrementally", or "rise steadily". These options offer a more precise and less casual tone than "drift upwards".

Is "drift upwards" always about physical movement?

No, "drift upwards" can also describe trends or abstract concepts that increase over time. For example, you might say that "the unemployment rate "drifted upwards"" to indicate a gradual increase in unemployment.

What's the difference between "drift upwards" and "soar upwards"?

"Drift upwards" implies a slow, gradual movement, while "soar upwards" suggests a rapid and significant increase. Choose the phrase that best reflects the speed and magnitude of the movement or change you're describing.