increasing number of

USAGE SUMMARY

"increasing number of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where there is a growing quantity of something. For example, "There has been an increasing number of people affected by the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So are an increasing number of foreigners.

The Economist

Apparently, an increasing number of people.

The New York Times

AN increasing number of Americans research their travel plans online.

The New York Times

And an increasing number of developing countries are also participating.

The Guardian

An increasing number of them don his No. 27.

The New York Times - Sports

An increasing number of corporate executives would like to know.

The New York Times

An increasing number of couples are having similar conversations.

The New York Times

There is a small but increasing number of female presidents.

The Guardian

Ivan was lucky; an increasing number of Russians are not.

The Guardian

An increasing number of Coalition members are climate denialists.

The Guardian

That's happening to an increasing number of eurozone countries.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "increasing number of" when you want to emphasize a trend of growth or augmentation in a countable quantity. This phrase is versatile and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "increasing number of" with uncountable nouns. Instead, opt for "increasing amount of" or "growing quantity of" when referring to things like water, sand, or abstract concepts like information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increasing number of" functions as a determiner phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a growth or rise in the quantity of something that can be counted. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "increasing number of" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe a rise in a countable quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is frequently used in news, scientific writing, and everyday communication, highlighting its relevance across different registers. When using this phrase, remember to pair it with countable nouns and consider alternatives like "growing number of" or "rising number of" for stylistic variation. Be cautious not to confuse it with "increasing amount of", which is used for uncountable nouns. By following these guidelines, you can effectively convey the idea of growth and escalation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing number of

Replaces "increasing" with "growing", emphasizing the ongoing process of augmentation.

rising number of

Substitutes "increasing" with "rising", highlighting the upward trend in quantity.

mounting number of

Uses "mounting" instead of "increasing", suggesting an accumulation or buildup.

upsurge in the number of

Replaces "increasing number" with "upsurge", adding a sense of sudden or rapid growth.

proliferation of

Focuses on the rapid spread or multiplication, suitable for describing things that propagate quickly.

expansion in the quantity of

Emphasizes the enlargement or extension of the quantity.

escalating count of

Highlights the progressively growing tally or amount.

heightened frequency of

Shifts focus to the increased recurrence or incidence of something.

more and more

Simplifies the expression to a more general indicator of increase.

a larger quantity of

Replaces "number" with "quantity", suitable for uncountable items or abstract concepts.

FAQs

How do I use "increasing number of" in a sentence?

Use "increasing number of" followed by the noun you're describing. For example, "There is an "increasing number of students" applying to universities" or "The city faces an "increasing number of challenges"."

What can I say instead of "increasing number of"?

You can use alternatives like "growing number of", "rising number of", or "proliferation of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "increasing number of" or "increasing amount of"?

"Increasing number of" is used with countable nouns, while "increasing amount of" is used with uncountable nouns. For example, you'd say "increasing number of cars" but "increasing amount of traffic".

What's the difference between "increasing number of" and "more and more"?

"Increasing number of" is more specific and formal, indicating a countable increase. "More and more" is a general expression for increase, suitable for informal contexts and both countable and uncountable nouns.