proliferation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proliferation of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the rapid spread or increase of something. For example, "The proliferation of internet access around the world has had huge implications for global communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The proliferation of shanties continued.

The New York Times

Tells about the proliferation of private businesses.

The New Yorker

Technology has brought a proliferation of countdowns.

The New Yorker

Another change is the proliferation of acronyms.

The Economist

Now the proliferation of government checkpoints….

The New Yorker

A proliferation of designations annoys some.

The Economist

The proliferation of I N.Y.

The New York Times - Style

Hence the proliferation of double-digit losses.

The Guardian

Worldwide, proliferation of nuclear weapons has increased.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, with the proliferation of cellphones has come the proliferation of 911 calls, overwhelming many systems.

The New York Times - Magazine

With the proliferation of people on the planet has come a proliferation of viruses.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proliferation of", ensure the noun it modifies is countable or can be treated as a mass noun (e.g., "proliferation of ideas", "proliferation of weapons").

Common error

Avoid using "proliferation of" in unnecessarily complex sentences. Sometimes, a simpler word like "increase" or "spread" can be more effective and direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proliferation of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the rapid increase or spread of something. Examples include "proliferation of ideas" and "proliferation of weapons".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proliferation of" is a versatile noun phrase indicating a rapid increase or spread, validated by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and very common in both formal and informal contexts, particularly within news, scientific, and business domains. While alternatives like "increase in" or "spread of" exist, "proliferation of" often conveys a more significant and expansive change. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding redundancy and ensuring the following noun aligns appropriately with the meaning. Given its frequent usage and clear meaning, mastering its use will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase in

Focuses on the act of becoming larger or more numerous.

growth of

Emphasizes a gradual expansion or development.

rise in

Highlights an upward trend or escalation.

spread of

Indicates the dispersion or dissemination of something.

expansion of

Suggests an enlargement of scope, size, or quantity.

outbreak of

Implies a sudden and widespread occurrence, often negative.

upsurge in

Conveys a sudden and significant increase.

escalation of

Refers to a gradual and often undesirable intensification.

multiplication of

Highlights a rapid increase in number or quantity.

buildup of

Suggests a gradual accumulation or amassing of something.

FAQs

How do I use "proliferation of" in a sentence?

The phrase "proliferation of" is typically followed by a noun, indicating what is increasing or spreading rapidly. For example, "The proliferation of social media has changed communication".

What words can I use instead of "proliferation of"?

You can use alternatives like "increase in", "growth of", or "spread of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "proliferation in" instead of "proliferation of"?

No, the correct and commonly used phrase is "proliferation of". "Proliferation in" is grammatically incorrect and less common.

What is the difference between "proliferation of" and "spread of"?

"Proliferation of" often implies a more rapid and uncontrolled increase than "spread of". While both indicate something becoming more widespread, "proliferation" emphasizes abundance.