ramp up

USAGE SUMMARY

"ramp up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to mean to increase in intensity or size, or to gradually increase the level, intensity, or amount of something. For example: "The company is planning to ramp up production in anticipation of increased demand for their products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We need to ramp up the pressure".

The New York Times

Tech companies ramp up on intern hiring.

The New York Times

"We'll ramp up fast," Mr. Philips said.

The New York Times

Ratchet and ramp up have leveled off.

The New York Times - Magazine

Events ramp up at considerable speed.

The Guardian - Books

Companies will need to ramp up hiring".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

We're still in the ramp-up.

The New York Times

"There will be a predictable ramp-up to profitability.

The New York Times - Sports

But Boeing could not manage the ramp-up in production.

The Economist

There had been no ramp-up, no preparation.

The New York Times

The future ramp-up may develop from a frontal thrust.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual increase in activity or production, use "ramp up" to convey a sense of controlled and sustained growth. For example: "The marketing team will ramp up its efforts in the coming weeks."

Common error

While "ramp up" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "increase", "expand", or "augment" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "ramp up" functions as a dynamic verb, signifying a process of gradual increase. Ludwig AI indicates that it commonly describes the act of increasing something, such as production or effort, over time. This implies a transition from a lower to a higher level of activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ramp up" is a commonly used phrasal verb that means to increase something gradually. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, with a generally neutral to informal register. When using "ramp up", consider the audience and choose synonyms like "accelerate" or "increase" for more formal settings. Remember that "ramp up" implies a controlled and sustained growth over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build up

Similar to "ramp up", it suggests a gradual increase, but can also refer to intangible things like tension or anticipation.

scale up

Specifically refers to increasing the size or production capacity of a business or project.

accelerate

Suggests a quicker increase in speed or progress. More concise but might lack the gradual implication of "ramp up".

step up

Indicates an increase in effort or commitment. It's more personal and motivational.

boost

Implies an increase in power or effectiveness. It focuses more on enhancement than gradual development.

intensify

Focuses on increasing the strength or degree of something, rather than the scale or volume.

escalate

Often used when referring to negative situations, suggesting a rapid increase in intensity or severity.

expand

Suggests growing in size or scope. It's broader and less focused on intensity than "ramp up".

increase

A general term for making something larger or more numerous. Lacks the nuance of gradual build-up.

amplify

To increase the volume of (sound, signal, or image)

FAQs

How can I use "ramp up" in a sentence?

You can use "ramp up" to describe a gradual increase in activity, production, or effort. For example: "The company plans to ramp up production before the holiday season" or "We need to ramp up our marketing efforts to reach a wider audience."

What can I say instead of "ramp up"?

You can use alternatives like "accelerate", "boost", "increase", or "build up" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "ramped up"?

Yes, "ramped up" is the past tense and past participle of "ramp up", and is perfectly correct. For example: "Production was ramped up last quarter."

What's the difference between "ramp up" and "scale up"?

"Ramp up" generally refers to a gradual increase in intensity or activity, while "scale up" specifically refers to increasing the size or production capacity, often in a business context.