general increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general increase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broad or overall rise in a particular quantity or metric. Example: "There has been a general increase in the number of people using public transportation over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sailing and judo are among the sports showing a general increase in positive findings.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're seeing a general increase in risky sexual behavior, and we're concerned," Dr. Frieden said.

The New York Times

If you add energy to water, the temperature will in general increase steadily.

The Guardian

The general increase in technical skill of the cabinetmaker between 1660 and about 1690 is astonishing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thermal expansion, the general increase in the volume of a material as its temperature is increased.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is a general increase in elastic modulus with increasing atomic number.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Over all, there has not been a general increase in its incidence since cellphones arrived.

The New York Times

In this context the general increase in touchy-feeliness over recent decades doesn't seem a complete coincidence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A general increase in population accounted for about 10percentt of the rise in autism, Dr. Byrd said.

The New York Times

Whenever the population shows signs of a general increase, the natives counteract the tendency with a little judicious head-hunting.

The New Yorker

Félicité Lamennais developed it by suggesting that the church would benefit from a general increase in political freedom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends, use "general increase" to indicate a widespread rise in a particular metric. For example, "There has been a "general increase" in the use of renewable energy sources."

Common error

Avoid using "general increase" without specifying what is increasing. Provide clear context to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "There's been a general increase", specify, "There's been a "general increase" in housing prices."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general increase" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a widespread rise or growth in a particular quantity or metric. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general increase" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a widespread rise or growth. Ludwig confirms this. It's frequently used in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While alternatives like "overall rise" or "broad increase" exist, "general increase" remains a versatile choice. Remember to provide clear context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity, specifying what is increasing. Ludwig’s analysis shows that this phrase appears frequently in numerous sources, making it valuable for accurate and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overall rise

Focuses on the comprehensive nature of the increase, emphasizing that it affects everything.

broad increase

Highlights the extensive scope of the increase across a wide range or area.

widespread growth

Indicates that the increase is occurring in many places or among many people.

across-the-board increase

Suggests that the increase applies uniformly to all categories or members.

universal expansion

Emphasizes that the increase is happening everywhere or to everything, without exception.

general upturn

Indicates a positive trend or improvement in a general sense.

total escalation

Highlights the complete and often rapid increase in intensity or amount.

global surge

Implies a sudden and significant increase on a worldwide scale.

marked augmentation

Focuses on a noticeable and significant increase in size, quantity or degree.

wholesale advance

Indicates a comprehensive and unrestricted increase, affecting all aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "general increase" in a sentence?

You can use "general increase" to describe a widespread rise in something. For example: "There has been a "general increase" in the cost of living this year."

What are some alternatives to "general increase"?

Alternatives include "overall rise", "broad increase", or "widespread growth", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "general increase" or "overall increase"?

Both "general increase" and "overall increase" are correct and often interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "General" suggests widespread, while "overall" emphasizes comprehensiveness.

What's the difference between "general increase" and "slight increase"?

"General increase" suggests a broad or widespread rise, whereas "slight increase" indicates a small or minor rise. The terms differ in the magnitude of the increase they describe.