increasing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'increasing' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that is growing larger in size, number, or amount. For example, you can say: "The increasing number of people using public transportation is helping to reduce the number of cars on the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The steps included increasing the broader retirement age to 65 and cutting public salaries to bring the deficit down from the current 13.6 percent of G.D.P. to less than 3 percent in 2014.

The New York Times

"Over recent decades, technological change, globalization and an erosion of the institutions and practices that support shared prosperity in the U.S. have put the middle class under increasing stress.

The New York Times

Congress is currently considering a bill increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 over the next three years.

The Economist

As Iran enters a critical period in its history, with elections in June, sanctions biting and the increasing threat of an Israeli attack, the Guardian has formed a partnership with the award-winning Tehran Bureau to open a window on life in the Islamic republic.

The Guardian

An eight-month inquiry by the all party group on mindfulness found frontline public servants could be less likely to fall ill with stress, or quit altogether, if they engage in the increasingly popular meditation practice which involves increasing awareness of the present moment to help control anxiety and depression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An Orange Order spokesman said: "This preposterous decision by the Parades Commission only underlines the increasing perception that its determinations are dictated by the threat of physical force opposition to our parades.

The Guardian

The after-dark madness that congregates around the fantasy areas of Shangri-la and Arcadia will be given more room than ever this year, with the festival ploughing in an extra £200,000 into the area, increasing its size by 10 acres.

The Guardian - Music

Farc has been increasing its activities, including the killing of two unarmed members of the Nasa indigenous community and last week the capture of two soldiers after combat.

The Guardian

Verdict: FMNR is an inexpensive way for farmers to make improvements with the resources they already have, increasing millet harvests from 430kg to 750kg a hectare, and saving money on fertilisers, with restored trees producing leaf litter (forming humus) and giving shade to livestock (for manure).

The Guardian

Walmart was cited for achieving its commitment to reduce packaging across its global supply chain by 5%, and for its goal of increasing its use of postconsumer recycled plastic in products and packaging by 3bn lbs by 2020.

The Guardian

But while rural dwellers in particular chafe at restrictions and heavy-handed enforcement – which has included forced abortions – many in cities are used to the policy and seem largely indifferent, or like the idea of increasing their families but worry about the financial impact.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends, use "increasing" to denote a general upward trajectory, but consider more specific synonyms like "rising" or "escalating" to convey nuances in the rate or intensity of the change.

Common error

Avoid using "increasing" in every instance of growth. Vary your language with synonyms like "growing", "expanding", or "rising" to maintain reader engagement and precision.

Linguistic Context

The word "increasing" functions primarily as an adjective or a participle modifying a noun. Examples from Ludwig show it describing trends, quantities, or levels, indicating a state of growth or augmentation. It's a versatile term for denoting upward movement or progressive addition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “increasing” functions mainly as an adjective or participle to describe a state or trend of growth. Its versatility allows for use in many contexts, though it's particularly prevalent in news, business, and scientific domains. While grammatically straightforward, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "growing", "rising", or "expanding" can enhance precision and readability. Ludwig AI confirms the term's correctness and common usage, underscoring its reliability in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rising

Focuses on upward movement or ascent instead of general growth.

growing

Emphasizes a gradual process of development, similar to increasing.

escalating

Implies a rapid and often worrying increase in intensity or amount.

augmenting

Highlights the addition of something to enhance or enlarge.

expanding

Suggests an increase in size, scope or range.

amplifying

Indicates an increase in strength or intensity, often in a figurative sense.

accumulating

Focuses on the gathering or collection of something over time.

intensifying

Implies a strengthening or deepening of something, like a feeling or process.

building up

Suggests a gradual accumulation leading to a significant increase.

progressing

Highlights forward movement and development rather than just increase in quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "increasing" in a sentence?

You can use "increasing" to describe something that is growing in size, number, or degree. For example: "The "increasing demand" for renewable energy is driving innovation in the sector."

What are some alternatives to the word "increasing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "rising", "growing", "expanding" or "escalating". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "increasing" and "increasingly"?

"Increasing" is typically used as an adjective or part of a verb phrase, whereas "increasingly" is an adverb. For example, "the increasing cost of living" versus "it is increasingly difficult to afford housing".

When is it better to use "increase" instead of "increasing"?

"Increase" is a noun or verb, while "increasing" is typically a participle or adjective. Use "increase" when referring to the act of growing or the amount of growth itself. For example, "There was an increase in sales" (noun) or "We need to increase production" (verb).