increase in size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increase in size" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something growing bigger in terms of its physical size. For example: "The crowds at the concert increased in size as the night went on."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is an inevitable increase in size.

The Guardian

Zone of hypertrophy: Chrondrocytes and their lacunae increase in size.

Columbia University

Geodesic spheres become stronger as they increase in size.

Yale University

The increase in size or mass of a lung.

Princeton University

Fortunately, it is said to increase in size with stimulation.

Independent

The cells of the vaginal mucosa increase in size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They shed their skins (molt) as they increase in size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Malacostracans, like all arthropods, increase in size by molting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As programs increase in size and complexity, the debugging process can take years.

The Guardian - Money

For Alexander, the gradual increase in size is evidence of a cultural shift.

The Guardian - Books

This probably means that the protests will increase in size and intensity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the growth of abstract concepts, consider using more nuanced synonyms like "expansion" or "augmentation" instead of directly stating an "increase in size".

Common error

Avoid using "increase in size" repeatedly in formal documents. Opt for more precise terms such as "growth", "expansion", or "enlargement" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase in size" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act or process of something becoming larger. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase appears across various contexts, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "increase in size" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase. It functions to describe the process of something growing larger, whether physically or conceptually. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears across a range of contexts, from scientific literature to news articles. While versatile, be mindful of potential over-reliance in formal writing and consider more specific synonyms for enhanced clarity. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growth in dimension

Focuses on dimensional expansion rather than a general size increase.

expansion in volume

Emphasizes the increase in three-dimensional space occupied.

enlargement in area

Specifically refers to an increase in surface area.

augmentation in magnitude

Implies an increase in overall scale or importance.

rise in extent

Suggests an expansion in scope or range.

upsurge in bulk

Indicates a significant increase in mass or volume.

proliferation in scale

Emphasizes a rapid increase in overall proportions.

escalation in proportions

Suggests a gradual increase in relative dimensions.

intensification in scope

Highlights an increase in the range or reach of something.

widening in breadth

Specifically refers to an increase in width or scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "increase in size" to describe physical growth or expansion. For example: "The tumor showed an increase in size over the past month."

What are some alternatives to "increase in size"?

Alternatives include "growth in dimension", "expansion in volume", or "enlargement in area" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "increase in size" or "grow in size"?

"Increase in size" and "grow in size" are often interchangeable. However, "increase in size" is slightly more formal while "grow in size" might feel more natural in everyday conversation.

What is the difference between "increase in size" and "increase in volume"?

"Increase in size" is a general term, while "increase in volume" specifically refers to the expansion of something in three-dimensional space.