on the increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the increase" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is growing or becoming more frequent over time. Example: "Reports of cybercrime are on the increase, prompting authorities to take action."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obesity is on the increase.

Harvard University

Conflict is on the increase.

Yale University

This dodge is on the increase.

The Guardian

Arrests and executions are on the increase.

The Guardian - Books

The nationalist spirit is on the increase.

The New Yorker

And it is on the increase.

The Guardian - Business

Cognitive problems are on the increase.

The New York Times - Health

Child poverty rates are on the increase.

The Guardian

Civil disobedience is on the increase.

The Guardian

People power is on the increase.

The Guardian - Tech

Deforestation is on the increase across Africa.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific alternatives like "escalating" or "surging" if you want to emphasize the speed or intensity of the increase.

Common error

Avoid using "on the increase" in contexts where a simple description of quantity is sufficient. It's best suited when emphasizing a trend or change over time, not just stating a large number.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the increase" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating that something is growing or becoming more frequent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the increase" is a versatile phrase used to denote a growing trend or increasing frequency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. While suitable alternatives like "on the rise" or "escalating" exist, "on the increase" provides a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. Primarily found in News & Media and Academic contexts, this phrase effectively highlights changes over time, emphasizing a trend that warrants attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the rise

Indicates a growing trend, similar to "on the increase" but often used for abstract concepts like popularity or influence.

growing

A more general term indicating a process of becoming larger or more numerous. Lacks the emphasis on a concerning trend.

escalating

Highlights a rapid or dramatic increase, often in negative contexts like conflict or tension.

becoming more common

A more descriptive alternative, suitable for formal contexts. Less idiomatic than "on the increase".

surging

Implies a sudden and powerful increase, often used for things like demand or prices.

intensifying

Signifies an increase in strength or degree. Often used for feelings or conditions.

mounting

Suggests a gradual accumulation or build-up, often of pressure or problems.

expanding

Indicates an increase in size, scope, or extent. Can be used for markets or businesses.

gaining ground

Refers to progress or advancement, suitable when discussing ideas or movements.

accumulating

Emphasizes the gathering or collection of something over time. Less common in general use.

FAQs

How can I use "on the increase" in a sentence?

Use "on the increase" to indicate that something is growing or becoming more frequent. For example: "Reports of cybercrime are on the increase, prompting authorities to take action."

What's the difference between "on the increase" and "on the rise"?

While both phrases are similar, "on the increase" specifically suggests a measurable quantity or frequency is growing, while "on the rise" can also apply to abstract concepts like popularity or influence.

What can I say instead of "on the increase"?

You can use alternatives like "growing", "escalating", or "becoming more common" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "on the increase" or "increasing"?

"On the increase" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe a trend. "Increasing" is a more general term that simply indicates growth. Use "on the increase" when you want to emphasize the trend itself.