growing in numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "growing in numbers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increase in the quantity or population of something, such as people, animals, or items. Example: "The community has been growing in numbers, attracting new residents and businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

And, as Mr. Roman said, Medicare beneficiaries are growing in numbers.

The New York Times

Afterwards the gang, now growing in numbers, went to Lebanon for military training with Palestinian guerrillas.

The Guardian

As we marched we saw everyone we cared about, and they were growing in numbers.

The Guardian - Books

Besides growing in numbers, minorities are moving out of inner cities into more marginal seats.

The Guardian

Asians and Pacific Islanders are growing in numbers but still constitute the smallest minorities in the state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Grey squirrels were first introduced from the US to an estate in Cheshire in 1876 and have been growing in numbers ever since.

The Guardian

For the most part, politicians are ignoring the Latinos even though we have been growing in numbers, and we are partly responsible for that.

The New York Times

"This is a community which is obviously growing in numbers and right now they don't feel as connected as they should feel".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

• Those platforms are growing in number.

The New York Times

The vendors have been growing in number.

The New York Times

Such mixed marriages, while growing in number, remain rare.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing in numbers" to describe a quantifiable increase in a group or population. For instance, you might say, "The number of students participating in extracurricular activities is growing in numbers." This highlights a positive trend.

Common error

Avoid using "growing in numbers" to describe abstract concepts or qualities that cannot be directly counted. It's more appropriate for concrete increases rather than, say, "growing in influence", which is better expressed as "gaining influence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing in numbers" typically functions as a descriptive phrase indicating an increase in the quantity or population of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is commonly used to denote expansion within a particular group or category. For example, "Medicare beneficiaries are growing in numbers."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "growing in numbers" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe an increase in quantity or population. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various registers, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure it refers to quantifiable increases rather than abstract concepts. Consider alternatives like "increasing in population" or "expanding in size" for nuanced meanings. Avoid misusing the phrase in figurative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing in population

Focuses specifically on the rise in the number of people.

expanding in size

Emphasizes the physical enlargement or scope of something.

multiplying in quantity

Highlights a rapid increase in the amount or count of something.

surging in popularity

Indicates a sudden and significant rise in favor or demand.

proliferating in frequency

Suggests a widespread and often rapid increase in occurrence.

accumulating in volume

Implies a gradual increase in the total amount or mass.

amplifying in scale

Conveys an increase in the overall magnitude or extent.

escalating in intensity

Focuses on the increase in the strength or severity of something.

ballooning in amount

Suggests a rapid and often uncontrolled increase in quantity.

mushrooming in prevalence

Indicates a swift and widespread increase in occurrence or acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "growing in numbers" in a sentence?

You can use "growing in numbers" to describe an increase in the quantity or population of something. For example: "The vegan community is growing in numbers".

What are some alternatives to "growing in numbers"?

Some alternatives include "increasing in population", "expanding in size", or "multiplying in quantity", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "growing in number" instead of "growing in numbers"?

While "growing in number" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts, "growing in numbers" is generally used to describe a general increase, making it more versatile. "Growing in number" is more suitable when referring to the increase in a specific, countable value.

What's the difference between "growing in numbers" and "increasing in popularity"?

"Growing in numbers" refers to a quantifiable increase, whereas "increasing in popularity" indicates a rise in favor or acceptance, not necessarily a numerical increase. They are used in different contexts.