increased gradually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increased gradually" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a gradual increase or change in something over a period of time. For example, "Sales of the product increased gradually over the past few months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The pension age for women was increased gradually to 65, a process completed last year.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would have increased gradually over the course of 40 years to $100 a ton.

The Guardian

The rash can sometimes be avoided if the concentration is increased gradually.

The New York Times - Health

Here, 'variable' lighting is dimmed and increased gradually to simulate daylight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The employment rate for disabled people has increased gradually over the years to 45%, a DWP spokesman said.

The Guardian

"The Hispanic share of our listenership has increased gradually over the past 10 years," says Trip Reeb, KROQ's general manager.

The New York Times

Division of labour increased, gradually transforming self-employed craftsmen into dependent workers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Voltage increased gradually with increasing temperature.

Energy

Desertification landscape patch quantities and fragmentation indexes have increased gradually.

CATENA

Thoracic limb movements and heart rate increased gradually with temperature.

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

Conclusion: the prevalence of intermittent claudication increased gradually by age.

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "increased gradually" to describe changes that occur incrementally over a period, ensuring the context clarifies the timeframe and magnitude of the increase.

Common error

Avoid using "increased gradually" when describing a large or sudden jump. This phrase is more accurate for slow, steady changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increased gradually" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which something increased. It indicates a slow, steady, and incremental rise, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increased gradually" is a grammatically correct and very common adverbial phrase used to describe a slow and steady rise or progression. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, predominantly in science and news. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects a gradual, rather than a sudden, change. Alternatives like "rose steadily" or "grew progressively" can be used to convey similar meanings. The phrase is suitable for neutral and formal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew progressively

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the increase, highlighting continuous growth.

rose steadily

Focuses on the consistent and unwavering nature of the increase.

escalated slowly

Highlights a gradual climb, potentially implying a build-up in intensity.

developed incrementally

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the increase, suggesting small, regular advancements.

expanded bit by bit

Suggests a fragmented increase, occurring in small and manageable portions.

advanced in stages

Indicates a phased increase, where progress is made in distinct steps or periods.

accumulated over time

Focuses on the process of gathering or collecting something, resulting in a gradual build-up.

progressed by degrees

Emphasizes the small increments by which the increase occurred.

unfolded incrementally

Implies a gradual revelation or development, suggesting that the increase was not immediately apparent.

built up slowly

Emphasizes the creation of a larger quantity or intensity over a period of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "increased gradually" to describe a situation where something grows or rises slowly over time. For example, "The temperature "increased gradually" throughout the morning".

What are some alternatives to saying "increased gradually"?

Alternatives include "rose steadily", "grew progressively", or "escalated slowly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "gradually increased" instead of "increased gradually"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. However, "increased gradually" is typically used as a single unit modifying a verb, while "gradually increased" may be used when "gradually" modifies "increased" directly as a verb. The choice often depends on sentence structure and emphasis.

What is the difference between "increased gradually" and "increased rapidly"?

"Increased gradually" indicates a slow, steady rise over time, whereas "increased rapidly" implies a fast, sharp rise. The key difference is the speed and intensity of the change.