edge up

USAGE SUMMARY

"edge up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a movement that is slight and gradual, but still occurs in small increments, like edging closer to someone or something. For example, "I slowly edged up to the edge of the cliff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He watched her edge up over a ledge.

The New Yorker

The Liberal Democrats edge up one to 13%.

The Guardian

But now, those contribution rates have begun to edge up.

The New York Times

Moreover, the pay-off from market reform should edge up in the next few years.

The Economist

The squeeze on real take-home pay is easing as inflation falls and wages edge up.

The Economist

For only if the economy grows below trend will unemployment begin to edge up again.

The Economist

Whenever the numbers of tourists begin to edge up, they inevitably collapse again after periodic riots.

The New York Times

The ratio of household debt to disposable income has continued to edge up (see chart 1).

The Economist

SUPPORT for democracy in Latin America continues to edge up, as does backing for private enterprise.

The Economist

Thanks mainly to Venezuela, China and oil, the growth rate may now edge up.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This leaves a controllable edge up-stand.

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "edge up" when describing a small, gradual increase or movement, especially in situations where precision or subtlety is important. For instance, "The company's profits edged up slightly this quarter."

Common error

While "edge up" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "increase", "rise", or "ascend" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"Edge up" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating a gradual or incremental increase. This can refer to physical movement or a rise in quantity or value, aligning with Ludwig's examples of market reforms and pay rates. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "edge up" is a phrasal verb that conveys a slight, gradual increase or movement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, with neutral register. When writing, it's best used to describe small increments, and should be avoided when greater precision is needed. While the phrase is generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of the context and choose more formal alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incrementally increase

Focuses on the gradual nature of the increase, removing the spatial connotation.

gradually advance

Highlights the slow progression, suitable when emphasizing the developmental aspect.

inch forward

Emphasizes very small movements, akin to moving bit by bit.

creep upward

Suggests a stealthy or subtle rise, often implying a slow and almost imperceptible change.

slowly climb

Replaces "edge" with "climb", focusing on a more continuous, albeit slow, ascent.

slightly improve

Shifts the focus to improvement rather than physical movement.

move incrementally

Emphasizes that the movement is done in small steps.

rise steadily

Implies a consistent and unwavering increase.

make headway

Focuses on progress being made, often in the face of difficulty.

gain ground

Suggests gaining an advantage or improving position, often in a competitive context.

FAQs

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

"Edge up" is a phrasal verb used to describe a slight, gradual increase. For example, "The stock price "edged up" slightly after the announcement".

What does "edge up" mean?

The phrase "edge up" means to increase or move forward slightly and gradually. It often implies a slow, almost imperceptible change.

Which is a better alternative to "edge up", "increase slightly" or "skyrocket"?

The best alternative depends on the magnitude of the change. "Increase slightly" is a suitable alternative if the change is gradual, whereas "skyrocket" implies a rapid and dramatic increase.

What is the difference between "edge up" and "surge"?

"Edge up" suggests a slow, incremental increase, while "surge" implies a sudden and significant increase. The context determines which phrase is more appropriate.