single-digit increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "single-digit increase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an increase that is between 1 and 9, typically in statistical or financial contexts. Example: "The company's profits saw a single-digit increase this quarter, reflecting modest growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The company projects flat sales for this quarter and a single-digit increase next year.

The New York Times

He said he expected a single-digit increase in holiday sales.

The New York Times - Tech

They were apparently able to successfully push through a low double-digit price hike for commodity DDR2 DRAM last week and a high single-digit increase for new generation DDR3 DRAM.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Most national newspapers have seen their digital advertising slow rapidly, to single-digit increases, and while the Mail Online's relatively impressive performance helped the publisher limit its total revenue decline to just 4%, the digital operation will now fall short of its target of £100m in revenues this year – a target that quite recently seemed easily obtainable.

The Guardian

Woman's Day and Family Circle both had single-digit increases in newsstand sales.

The New York Times

Mr. Hanway also predicted single-digit increases in membership in Cigna health care plans, which totaled more than 14 million people at the end of 2000.

The New York Times

The challenge ahead is to restrain the escalation of medical costs, hold premiums to single-digit increases and find new sources of revenue.

The New York Times

That is a highly unusual rise in complaints; the only two industries that generated more complaints last year — cellphone and television providers — had only single-digit increases over 2008.

The New York Times

Instead of piling more money into global markets in search of once-in-a-decade gains, they are taking a more restrained approach as they brace for more modest, single-digit increases that are expected this year.

The New York Times

Times managers say they expect single-digit increases this year for both the daily and Sunday editions, primarily because circulation in neighboring Tampa is booming after an intensive marketing effort.

The New York Times

In most of its businesses Time Warner is performing well, and the company is expected to post high single-digit increases in free cash flow for 2005.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial or statistical data, use "single-digit increase" to convey a sense of modest growth without exaggerating the numbers.

Common error

Avoid using "single-digit increase" when the actual increase is 10% or higher. Doing so would be misleading and inaccurate. Instead, use "double-digit increase" or specify the exact percentage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "single-digit increase" functions as a modifier describing the magnitude of an increase. It qualifies a noun, indicating that the increase is within the range of 1 to 9. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "single-digit increase" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a modest increase, typically ranging from 1% to 9%. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific reporting. When using this phrase, ensure the actual increase falls within the specified range to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives such as "slight uptick" or "modest rise" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. The phrase's neutral to professional register makes it appropriate for objective reporting and analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single-digit percentage growth

Specifies the increase as a growth within the single-digit range.

marginal growth

Emphasizes the small extent of the increase.

slight uptick

Indicates a small and often temporary increase.

modest rise

Highlights the limited scale of the increase.

low-level increment

Focuses on the minimal nature of the incremental change.

small percentage gain

Quantifies the increase as a small percentage.

minor improvement

Highlights the positive but small nature of the change.

limited expansion

Emphasizes the restricted scope of the growth.

gradual increase

Highlights the slow and steady nature of the increase.

small positive change

Focuses on the minimal and beneficial aspects of the alteration.

FAQs

How can I use "single-digit increase" in a sentence?

You can use "single-digit increase" to describe a modest growth or rise. For example: "The company experienced a "single-digit increase" in sales this quarter.".

What is an alternative to saying "single-digit increase"?

Alternatives include "slight uptick", "modest rise", or "marginal growth", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "single-digit increase" for an increase of exactly 10%?

No, "single-digit increase" typically refers to increases between 1% and 9%. An increase of 10% or more should be described as a "double-digit increase" or specified with the exact percentage.

What does "single-digit" mean in the context of "single-digit increase"?

In this context, "single-digit" refers to any number from 1 to 9. Therefore, a "single-digit increase" signifies a growth or rise within that numerical range.