incrementally increase

USAGE SUMMARY

"incrementally increase" is correct and usable in formal written English.
You can use it to describe when something is increasing in small but steady amounts over time. For example, "Sales have incrementally increased over the past three months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"The theme here is to incrementally increase the risk level of your bond portfolio, without going too far out on a limb," he said.

The New York Times

The wood inside the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid, which has rooftop solar panels that incrementally increase driving range, is all reclaimed.

The New York Times

Under the plans, clubs will also be told to incrementally increase the number of players in their squad who qualify as "homegrown" – those trained for at least 36 months in England before their 21st birthday.

The Guardian - Sport

The goal was to incrementally increase the proportion of emergency admissions discharged within four hours to 90% in all jurisdictions by 2015, in line with the "four-hour rule" target set in the United Kingdom in 2010.

The Guardian

A primary goal of a presidential campaign is to incrementally increase margins of support among volatile and persuadable demographic groups like single women angered by attempts to restrict access to contraception or voters with long commutes worried about gas prices.

The New York Times

In this sense, as each candidate seeks to incrementally increase margins of support among key constituencies and to intensify participation not only among "pure" independents but also among loyal voting blocs, Obama and Romney face the same problem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Is it recent climate change, that's incrementally increased the size of my brain?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

While most of us can cheer the incrementally increasing diversity on our film and television screens, Bamboozled forces us to question the quality and progressiveness of these roles.

The Guardian - Film

More power, revised styling, improvements to the transmission and a host of other tweaks incrementally increased the performance year to year.

The New York Times

These psychotherapies tend to include relaxation skills; incrementally increased exposure to stress triggers; and challenging some inaccurate assumptions that fuel anxiety.

The New York Times - Health

That is why, although consumer demand for solar power has incrementally increased here, it has not been enough for anyone to have Applied Materials — the world's biggest solar equipment manufacturer — build them a new factory in America yet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incrementally increase", ensure the context clearly indicates that the increase is gradual and occurs in small steps over time. This helps to avoid any misinterpretation that the increase is sudden or substantial.

Common error

Avoid using "incrementally increase" when the increase is actually significant or abrupt. This phrase is best suited for situations where changes are small and gradual, not large leaps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incrementally increase" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of making something larger or more significant in small, gradual steps. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incrementally increase" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase, denoting a gradual and measured process of growth. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for formal writing and carries a neutral to formal register. Common contexts include Science and News & Media, reflecting its utility in describing progressive changes across various fields. When using this phrase, ensure that the context emphasizes the gradual nature of the increase to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "gradually augment" or "progressively build up" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually augment

Emphasizes a gradual addition or supplement, implying a slower and more subtle increase.

progressively build up

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the increase, suggesting a structured and methodical growth.

steadily accumulate

Focuses on the continuous gathering or amassing of something over time.

stepwise escalate

Implies a measured and controlled increase, often in intensity or magnitude.

slowly expand

Emphasizes a gradual widening or enlargement, suggesting an increase in scope or size.

bit by bit enhance

Highlights the small, incremental improvements that contribute to an overall enhancement.

systematically raise

Implies a planned and organized approach to increasing something, often according to a set of rules or procedures.

moderately amplify

Suggests a restrained and controlled increase in intensity or volume.

piecemeal augment

Emphasizes the gradual addition in separate components or pieces.

gently uplift

Implies a subtle and gradual elevation or improvement, often in a positive or encouraging way.

FAQs

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

You can use "incrementally increase" to describe a gradual rise or growth, for example: "The company plans to "incrementally increase" its production capacity over the next year".

What are some alternatives to "incrementally increase"?

Alternatives include phrases like "gradually augment", "progressively build up", or "steadily accumulate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "incrementally increase" is suitable for formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It accurately describes a gradual and measured growth.

What's the difference between "incrementally increase" and "rapidly increase"?

"Incrementally increase" suggests a slow, gradual change, while "rapidly increase" indicates a quick and substantial change. The choice depends on the actual rate of growth you're describing.