increase over time

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to the gradual rise in something over a period of time. Example: The number of people signing up for the new online course has been increasing over time.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The effects would increase over time.

The New York Times

This price would "significantly increase" over time.

The Guardian

We'd like that to increase over time.

The Guardian

They will increase over time with inflation.

The Washington Post

The impacts on macroeconomic variables do not increase over time.

Columbia University

The fee would start low and increase over time.

The New York Times

Thus, their general feelings of interdependence and interconnection with others seemed to increase over time.

University of California, Berkeley

But Medvedev's authority will increase over time as he grows into the Kremlin presidency.

Princeton University

§ 2521.60 To what extent must my share of program costs increase over time?

Cornell University

The premiums, and the monthly fees, are likely to increase over time.

The New York Times

"Genetic contamination is unavoidable and irreversible and will only increase over time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or changes in data, use "increase over time" to clearly indicate a growth pattern that occurs across a specific duration. This is especially useful in reports, analyses, and academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "increase over time" to describe sudden, sharp increases. This phrase suggests a gradual and consistent trend, not a dramatic one-time event. For sudden changes, use terms like "surge", "spike", or "jump".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase over time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, specifying how something changes or progresses. It indicates a gradual and continuous change rather than a sudden or immediate one. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

41%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increase over time" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe a gradual and continuous growth trend. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse contexts, from scientific reports to news articles. Its frequency across various sources highlights its common usage. When writing, remember that "increase over time" suggests a consistent progression, not a sudden spike. For alternative phrasing, consider "grow gradually" or "escalate steadily", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Therefore, be mindful of the subtle connotations each phrase brings to ensure accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow gradually

Focuses on the gradual aspect of growth without explicitly mentioning time.

rise incrementally

Highlights the small, additive steps in the increase.

escalate steadily

Emphasizes a consistent and measured increase.

build up progressively

Suggests a cumulative effect of the increase.

expand continuously

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the expansion.

develop steadily

Focuses on the continuous development or improvement.

accumulate gradually

Implies a slow collection or gathering over a period.

intensify progressively

Highlights a gradual strengthening or heightening.

augment steadily

Emphasizes a consistent addition or enhancement.

progress incrementally

Focuses on the small, incremental steps of progress.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "increase over time" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "grow gradually", "escalate steadily", or "rise incrementally", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "increase over time" in scientific writing?

Yes, "increase over time" is suitable for scientific writing when describing trends or changes in data across a period. It clearly indicates a growth pattern that is gradual and consistent. Using variations such as "rise incrementally" might also be considered depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "increase over time" and "increase rapidly"?

"Increase over time" indicates a gradual and continuous growth trend. In contrast, "increase rapidly" suggests a quick and accelerated growth. The key difference lies in the speed and consistency of the increase. You may also consider alternatives such as "escalate steadily" instead of "increase over time" for particular situations.

What are some common synonyms for "increase over time" that I can use to vary my writing?

Common synonyms include "grow gradually", "progress incrementally", or "develop steadily". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.