sharply increasing

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharply increasing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize a quick and noticeable change in something increasing. For example: "The number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. is sharply increasing this month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Russia is sharply increasing its defence spending.

The Economist

The strategy of sharply increasing Dade's debt alarmed several executives.

The New York Times

Mr. Semel said that the company was sharply increasing its spending on product development.

The New York Times

Pay-as-you-go would require either slashing benefits, sharply increasing required contributions, or both.

The New York Times

The rupee's weakness and higher oil prices are sharply increasing its import bills.

The New York Times

Like nearly every luxury business, Gucci is sharply increasing its presence in the Asian market.

The New York Times

That forced Tokyo Electric and other utilities to generate electricity using thermal fuel, sharply increasing costs.

The New York Times

On balance, the stock market could rise sharply, increasing some Americans' wealth and, perhaps, many Americans' confidence in the economy.

The New York Times

"The spike in arrivals in Greece is sharply increasing reception pressures on the islands," the UNHCR said.

The Guardian

The mayor credited the Human Resources Administration's use of performance-based contracts with sharply increasing the number of job placements.

The New York Times

Jet Skiers would be pushed toward the middle of Northport Bay and Huntington Bay, sharply increasing boat traffic there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharply increasing" when you want to convey a sudden and significant rise in something, creating a sense of urgency or importance. For example, "The company's profits are sharply increasing due to innovative product development".

Common error

Avoid using "sharply increasing" when a gradual or modest increase is more accurate. Overstating the intensity can mislead the reader. Instead, consider using phrases like "gradually increasing" or "slightly rising" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharply increasing" functions as a modifier in sentences, typically describing a noun or noun phrase undergoing a rapid and substantial rise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct to emphasize a quick and noticeable change, for example: "Russia is sharply increasing its defence spending."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharply increasing" is a versatile modifier used to describe a rapid and substantial rise, often conveying a sense of urgency or importance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase to emphasize a quick and noticeable change. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles. When using "sharply increasing", ensure the context accurately reflects a significant upward trend to avoid misrepresentation. Consider alternatives like "rapidly escalating" or "quickly rising" to fine-tune the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapidly escalating

Emphasizes speed and intensity of the increase.

quickly rising

Focuses on the swiftness of the upward trend.

markedly growing

Highlights the noticeable nature of the growth.

significantly expanding

Stresses the substantial size of the expansion.

substantially augmenting

Emphasizes the considerable addition or increase.

appreciably advancing

Focuses on the measurable progress or advancement.

steeply ascending

Suggests a sharp, almost vertical climb.

exponentially increasing

Implies a very rapid acceleration in growth.

dramatically surging

Conveys a sudden and impactful increase.

noticeably climbing

Highlights that the increase is easily observed.

FAQs

How can I use "sharply increasing" in a sentence?

Use "sharply increasing" to describe a rapid and significant rise. For example, "The demand for electric vehicles is "sharply increasing" due to environmental concerns".

What are some alternatives to "sharply increasing"?

Alternatives include "rapidly escalating", "quickly rising", or "significantly expanding", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever wrong to use "sharply increasing"?

It's incorrect if the increase is actually gradual or insignificant. Ensure the data supports the claim of a sharp and substantial rise before using the phrase.

What's the difference between "sharply increasing" and "gradually increasing"?

"Sharply increasing" implies a sudden and noticeable rise, while "gradually increasing" suggests a slow and steady ascent. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual trend.