increase steeply

USAGE SUMMARY

'increase steeply' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a sharp or sudden increase in something. For example, "The prices of cars increased steeply after the introduction of a new luxury model."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

That's why I believe consideration should be given to a windfall tax when house values increase steeply over time.

The Guardian

"This percentage can be expected to increase steeply over the coming decades as a consequence of population aging," the United Nations report says.

The New York Times

And those in subsidized apartments, and owners who paid insider prices during the 80's, will undoubtedly see their housing costs increase steeply while the quality of their homes decline.

The New York Times

You can't invest in quality because of repetition," says Alberto Rodríguez of the World Bank.Starting salaries for teachers are low, which deters good candidates, but then increase steeply, encouraging incumbents to stay until they retire, five years earlier than other workers.

The Economist

However, as the number of tags increases, its estimation errors increase steeply.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The Hg(Sn 22−/HgS22− ratio will increase steeply in proportion to aS0.

Geochemical Transactions

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

And costs have been increasing steeply, making it ever harder to raise the money.

The Economist

The probability that collisions will produce new and exotic particles increases steeply with higher energy.

The New York Times - Science

Prices increased steeply, then dipped sharply from 1998 to 2001 because of an economic crisis in Russia.

The New York Times

The corrosiveness of acids increases steeply at high temperatures, which makes acids ideal for dissolving ore but difficult to handle.

The New York Times

Home visits have increased steeply in recent years, particularly in cities, where apartment dwellers struggle with pet conflicts in cramped quarters and without backyard space.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "increase steeply", consider the specific context and choose the most appropriate synonym if a more nuanced meaning is desired. For example, use "grow exponentially" if you want to emphasize the accelerating nature of the increase.

Common error

Avoid using "increase steeply" when the growth is actually linear or moderate. Overstating the rate of increase can undermine the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase steeply" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe how a particular quantity or measure changes over time. Ludwig confirms this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increase steeply" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It effectively conveys a rapid and substantial rise in a given quantity. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various audiences. When writing, consider the specific context and choose the most accurate synonym for nuanced meaning. Be careful not to exaggerate the rate of increase. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility, while alternatives like "rise sharply" and "grow exponentially" offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rise sharply

Emphasizes the suddenness of the increase.

grow exponentially

Implies a rate of increase that becomes faster over time.

escalate rapidly

Suggests a quick and often alarming increase in intensity or amount.

surge dramatically

Highlights the impressive and noticeable nature of the increase.

climb steeply

Uses a spatial metaphor to describe a rapid upward movement.

jump significantly

Indicates a considerable and abrupt rise.

ascend quickly

Implies a swift and steady upward progression.

mount substantially

Emphasizes the significant amount or degree of the increase.

rocket upwards

Uses a vivid image of a rocket to convey a very fast and high rise.

balloon rapidly

Suggests a fast expansion or swelling increase.

FAQs

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

You can use "increase steeply" to describe a rapid rise in something. For example: "The price of housing can "increase steeply" in urban areas".

What are some alternatives to "increase steeply"?

Alternatives include "rise sharply", "grow exponentially", or "escalate rapidly", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "increase steeply" in formal writing?

Yes, "increase steeply" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong descriptor. In some cases, a more moderate term like "increase significantly" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "increase steeply" and "increase significantly"?

"Increase steeply" implies a more rapid and dramatic rise compared to "increase significantly". The latter simply denotes a notable increase, while the former emphasizes the speed and angle of the ascent.