in increments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in increments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process that occurs in small, measured steps or amounts over time. Example: "The project will be completed in increments, allowing us to assess progress at each stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He comes out in increments.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

My life disintegrated in increments.

The New York Times - Health

I felt myself being diminished in increments.

The Guardian - Books

"I gotta eat in increments," he said.

The New Yorker

The hospital can be paid in increments.

The New York Times - Health

He plans to complete it in increments over five years.

The New York Times

The tech crept into my life in increments.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By contrast, when Mr. Clinton achieved, it was in increments.

The New York Times

"My job is to give it in increments".

The New York Times

Miliband did not hide his intention to advance in increments.

The Guardian - Opinion

That ambition, if realized, would most likely occur in increments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in increments" to describe processes or changes that happen gradually over time, especially when emphasizing the small, measured steps involved. This is particularly effective when detailing progress or development in a structured manner.

Common error

While "in increments" is generally correct, avoid overuse in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "gradually" or "little by little" might sound more natural and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in increments" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and describing how an action is performed, by indicating that something is done in small, measured steps. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in increments" is a prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial, denoting that an action occurs in small, measured steps. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used. Its primary purpose is to communicate gradual progression or change, often suggesting a deliberate and controlled process. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards the professional, being common in news, media, and scientific writing. Alternatives include "gradually", "step by step", and "in stages", offering nuanced options depending on the specific context. Remember to use "in increments" to emphasize the measured, step-by-step nature of a process, and avoid overusing it in overly casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in stages

Replaces "increments" with "stages", focusing on the phased nature of the process.

step by step

Emphasizes the sequential and methodical nature of the process.

little by little

Highlights the gradual and incremental aspect of the progress.

gradually

Focuses on the slow and steady pace of the change.

in phases

Similar to "in stages", emphasizing distinct periods of progression.

by degrees

An older idiom that implies a gradual progression.

incrementally

An adverb form that directly relates to the concept of small increases.

in steps

Highlights the discrete and measured advances.

piece by piece

Implies assembling something over time with individual components.

in small doses

Suggests controlled and limited advancements.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "in increments" in a sentence?

Use "in increments" to describe a process or change that occurs gradually and in small steps. For example, "The project will be completed "in increments", allowing for continuous assessment and adjustments." Consider alternatives like "in stages" or "gradually" depending on the desired emphasis.

What are some alternatives to using "in increments"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "gradually", "step by step", "little by little", or "in stages". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "in increments" formal or informal?

"In increments" leans towards the formal side but is versatile enough for neutral contexts. In very casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

What's the difference between "in increments" and "incrementally"?

"In increments" is a prepositional phrase, while "incrementally" is an adverb. "In increments" describes how something is done (e.g., "The task was completed in increments"), whereas "incrementally" modifies a verb, describing that the action happens in small steps (e.g., "The task was incrementally completed").