increase gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

"increase gradually" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
For example, you could use it in the sentence "His confidence gradually increased over time," or "The temperature is expected to increase gradually over the next few days."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The retirement age is to increase gradually to 67.

The Economist

With the development of seepage, the opened cracks increase gradually.

Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements

Women's state pension age will increase gradually to 65 between April 2016 and November 2018.

The Guardian - Money

Software systems tend to become larger and more complicated as the functional requirements increase gradually.

Information Sciences

Numbers of these courses are on the increase gradually in the Universities.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

With the relative roughness increasing, the temperature drop and cooling efficiency increase gradually.

Energy and Buildings

The average monthly fee of about $21 will increase gradually to about $29.75 by 2009, according to City Hall estimates.

The New York Times

The limit will increase gradually to $5,000 in 2008 ($6,000 for those 50 and above).

The New York Times

For this reason, the number of genetic mutations in a man's sperm appear to increase gradually and steadily with age.

The Washington Post

These cells are found in clusters that increase gradually in cell number and are embedded in transparent gel.

Britannica

The average diffusion flame height is observed to increase gradually over the pressure range studied.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or changes over time, use "increase gradually" to convey a slow, consistent upward movement without sudden spikes or drops.

Common error

Avoid using "increase gradually" when a more specific description of the rate of increase is possible. For example, instead of saying "Sales increased gradually", you might say "Sales increased by 5% each quarter" to provide more precise information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase gradually" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action (increasing) is performed. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase adds detail about the manner in which something grows or rises, indicating a slow and consistent process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "increase gradually" is a very common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe a slow, consistent upward trend or growth, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register allows for use across diverse contexts such as science, news, and business, indicating a measured progression without sudden changes. To add precision to your writing, consider alternative phrases like "grow steadily" or "rise progressively", but avoid overusing the phrase when more specific numerical data can be provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase incrementally

Emphasizes a step-by-step increase, focusing on the size and regularity of the increments.

rise progressively

Highlights the forward motion and continuous nature of the increase.

grow steadily

Focuses on the consistent and stable nature of the growth over time.

expand gradually

Suggests an increase in size or scope, emphasizing a widening or broadening effect.

develop slowly

Conveys a pace that is deliberately unhurried, often implying careful or considered progress.

escalate moderately

Indicates a measured and controlled increase in intensity or magnitude.

advance in stages

Emphasizes the phased nature of the progression, with distinct steps or levels.

build up over time

Suggests a cumulative effect, where the increase occurs through gradual accumulation.

accumulate little by little

Highlights the small increments contributing to the overall increase.

evolve bit by bit

Implies a slow and natural development, with change occurring in small, subtle increments.

FAQs

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

You can use "increase gradually" to describe a process that grows or rises slowly over time. For example: "The company's profits "increase gradually" each year as they expand their market reach".

What are some alternatives to "increase gradually"?

Alternatives include "grow steadily", "rise progressively", or "expand incrementally". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "increase gradually" or "increase rapidly"?

The choice depends on the rate of change you want to describe. "Increase gradually" implies a slow and consistent change, while "increase rapidly" suggests a fast change. For example: "The number of users "increase gradually" over the year" versus "The popularity of the new app "increase rapidly" after launch".

What's the difference between "increase gradually" and "grow steadily"?

While similar, "increase gradually" emphasizes the incremental nature of the change, whereas "grow steadily" highlights the consistency and stability of the growth process. For example, "The price of gas "increase gradually" over the last few months" versus "The demand for solar energy "grow steadily" as more people become environmentally conscious".