increments of one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increments of one" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to describe processes where something is increased in regular, step-wise intervals (e.g. adding one unit each time). For example, "The number of participants increased in increments of one, from the starting point of 25."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

By using basic increments of one volt per octave change of pitch, Moog was able to make simple circuits using everyday components.

The Guardian - Music

For example, if an employer accounts for the use of annual leave in increments of one hour and the use of sick leave in increments of one-half hour, then FMLA leave use must be accounted for using increments no larger than one-half hour.

Cornell University

Looking at Cuthbertson now, as she perches cross-legged and laughing on a sofa in the Opera House, it's hard to credit the long months of illness she endured when she was barely able to lift her head off the pillow, only able to increase the exercise she took by increments of one or two minutes per day.

The Guardian

But for scientists who build atomic clocks, which are the most accurate timepieces in the world and crucial to the proper functioning of telecommunications networks, Global Positioning System satellites and other systems, time flies in increments of one nine-billionth of a second.

The New York Times - Tech

The time counter normally increases in fixed increments of one unit for each step.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Currently, RAP avoids over provisioning resources by allocating them in increments of one.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Stock prices are now usually quoted in increments of one-sixteenth of a dollar, or 6.25 cents.

The New York Times

They are given in increments of one-hundredth of the value of a pawn, the least valuable piece.

The New York Times - Science

The main distinguishing feature of his mask is that it is finely pleated, in increments of one-eighth of an inch.

The New York Times

The only measurement tool used in cigar rolling, the ring gauge is a metal paddle perforated with holes calibrated in increments of one-sixty-fourth of an inch.

The New York Times

The tax would be far smaller than the fixed commissions that American investors once took for granted, and even less than the costs implicit in the fact that until decimalization arrived in 2001, that most stocks could move only in increments of one-eighth of a dollar, or 12.5 cents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental procedures or iterative processes, use "increments of one" to clearly specify the step size.

Common error

Avoid using "increments of one" when you actually mean percentage increases or other proportional changes. For example, don't say "the price increased in increments of one" if it rose by 1% each time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increments of one" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, specifying how something increases or decreases. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is used to describe processes or procedures.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increments of one" is a precise way to describe a step-by-step increase or decrease, often found in scientific and technical writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and serves to clarify processes involving gradual changes. While it's not as common as other numerical progressions, its specific meaning makes it valuable in contexts where accuracy is paramount. To ensure clarity, avoid confusing it with percentages or using it loosely when describing proportional changes. Consider alternatives like "single-unit increases" or "increases of a single unit" to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single-unit increases

Replaces "increments" with a more specific term while maintaining the concept of increasing by one.

increases of a single unit

Rearranges the structure, emphasizing the singular nature of the increase.

step-by-step increases of one

Adds the idea of a process done gradually, not just a quantity.

gradual additions of one

Focuses on the addition process, suggesting a slow and steady increase.

successive additions of one

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the additions.

unit-by-unit increases

Highlights the increase happening one unit at a time.

advancements of one unit

Conveys the idea of making progress in a quantified way.

growth in single-unit steps

Uses "growth" to suggest an evolving or developing process with steps of size one.

increasing one at a time

Simplifies the structure, focusing on the act of incrementing.

progressing one by one

Emphasizes a forward movement where something increases in individual units.

FAQs

How can I use "increments of one" in a sentence?

You can use "increments of one" to describe a gradual increase by a single unit. For example: "The dosage was increased in "increments of one" milligram daily".

What's a good alternative to "increments of one"?

Alternatives include "single-unit increases" or "increases of a single unit", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is "increment of one" or "increments of one" more correct?

"Increments of one" is generally more appropriate when describing a series of increases, while "increment of one" refers to a single increase. The best choice depends on the context.

When should I use "increments of one" versus another numerical progression?

Use "increments of one" when you want to emphasize that the increase happens one unit at a time. For other numerical progressions, specify the increment accordingly (e.g. "increments of two", "increments of five")