moderate increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moderate increase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a rise or growth that is not extreme or excessive, often in contexts such as economics, statistics, or general discussions about change. Example: "The company reported a moderate increase in sales over the last quarter, indicating steady growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'We need to keep sustainability in housing and get a more moderate increase in prices.

The Guardian - Money

"Firebacks look nice and they produce a moderate increase in efficiency".

The New York Times

NEW ENGLAND TRADE UP.; Federal Reserve Report Shows Moderate Increase for September.

The New York Times

Archives|NEW ENGLAND TRADE UP.; Federal Reserve Report Shows Moderate Increase for September.

The New York Times

CBI "This moderate increase recognises that many businesses are struggling, and helps protect jobs at a time of rising unemployment.

The Guardian

Other capital cities showed a more moderate increase or – in the case of Darwin and Perth – a decrease.

The Guardian

He said that even a moderate increase in the amount of gas made available would have damped prices.

The New York Times

The detection rate will rise from 65% to greater than 92% with only a moderate increase in cost.

Harvard University

The preliminary results reveal moderate increase in overall number of housekeeping households in comparison with known figure 2011.

Princeton University

The company said instant-camera sales were substantially higher, while instant-film shipments showed a "moderate" increase.

The New York Times

Just a moderate increase in breastfeeding rates could potentially see the NHS save £40m per year.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity, follow "moderate increase" with a specific percentage or numerical value, for example: "a moderate increase of 3%".

Common error

Avoid using "moderate increase" when the actual increase is significant; instead, opt for phrases like "substantial rise" or "considerable growth" to accurately reflect the data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moderate increase" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of change or growth. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English, and the examples confirm this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moderate increase" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a rise or growth that is neither negligible nor substantial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted, finding its place most frequently in scientific and news-related contexts. When employing this phrase, aim for clarity by providing specific numerical data alongside it to contextualize the extent of the increase. It is essential to avoid using "moderate increase" when the actual growth is significant, opting instead for stronger descriptors like "substantial rise" or "considerable growth". Furthermore, related phrases such as "modest increase" and "slight increase" can provide subtle differences in meaning, allowing for a more precise description of the change. With 59 real-world examples, its very common usage demonstrates its applicability across varied scenarios, allowing writers to achieve accuracy and neutrality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Moderate rise

A direct synonym, replacing "increase" with "rise".

Modest increase

Similar to "moderate", emphasizing a small or humble increase.

Reasonable increase

Suggests the increase is fair and justifiable.

Slight increase

Highlights the small magnitude of the increase.

Mild increase

Suggests a gentle and subtle rise.

Restrained increase

Implies the increase is kept within certain limits, possibly due to external factors.

Conservative increase

Indicates a cautious and gradual rise.

Gradual increase

Focuses on the slow pace of the increase.

Measured increase

Indicates a controlled and deliberate increase.

Moderate gains

Uses the term "gains" to suggest a positive outcome from the increase.

FAQs

How to use "moderate increase" in a sentence?

You can use "moderate increase" to describe a rise that is not extreme or excessive. For example: "The company reported a "moderate increase" in sales."

What can I say instead of "moderate increase"?

You can use alternatives like "slight rise", "modest growth", or "gradual increase" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "moderate increase" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts like business reports, scientific papers, or news articles, where accurate and neutral language is important.

What's the difference between "moderate increase" and "significant increase"?

"Moderate increase" refers to a rise that is neither negligible nor substantial, while "significant increase" implies a notable and impactful rise. The choice depends on the magnitude and context of the increase.