subtle increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subtle increase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or gradual rise in something, such as numbers, levels, or intensity. Example: "There was a subtle increase in the temperature over the course of the day, indicating a change in the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These effects, though subtle, increase with regular practice.

The New York Times

Healthy vagal function is reflected in a subtle increase in heart rate while breathing in and a subtle decrease while breathing out.

The Economist

In languages like Czech, the move from Jana to Janka and then Janicka signals a subtle increase in intimacy each time.

The Economist

The HTGC and NMR results showed that the saturated fraction is not affected during the thermal stress process, whereas a subtle increase in the number of aromatic compounds was observed as a function of degradation time.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Degradation of polymers is usually manifested in a reduction of molecular weight, increase of crystallinity in semi crystalline polymers, increase of material density, a subtle increase in yield strength, and a dramatic reduction in toughness.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Degradation of polymers is usually manifested in a reduction of molecular weight, increase of crystallinity in semicrystalline polymers, increase of material density, a subtle increase in yield strength, and a dramatic reduction in toughness.

Polymer Degradation and Stability

Our data suggest that A/H1N1 viruses such as the A/PR/8/34 strain are particularly sensitive to a subtle increase in the endosomal pH, as caused by the polycyclic amine compounds.

Antiviral Research

The overexpression of PhEGS alone resulted in a subtle increase in either eugenol or eugenol glycosides, and the overexpression of both PhCFAT and PhEGS resulted in significant increases in the levels of both eugenol and eugenol glycosides which were nonetheless lower than the increases seen with overexpression of PhCFAT alone.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

This initial viral replication was associated with only a subtle increase in transcription of inflammation related genes in lungs and tracheal bronchial lymph nodes, while the level of expression of the majority of immune genes measured remained comparable to uninfected animals.

Veterinary Microbiology

In contrast, headache frequency oscillates for CM, but the overall trend is one of subtle increase.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Fish being poikilotherm is a natural and prime target to subtle increase in temperature of their habitat as a consequence of global warming (Paital & Chainy, 2016).

The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subtle increase", ensure the context clearly indicates what is increasing and why the increase is considered subtle. For instance, specify the unit of measurement and the timeframe over which the increase occurs.

Common error

Avoid using "subtle increase" when the actual increase is significant or dramatic. Using it in such contexts can mislead readers and undermine the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subtle increase" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a change or trend where the magnitude of the increase is small or gradual, as evidenced by the examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subtle increase" is a commonly used phrase, particularly in scientific and news contexts, to describe a small or gradual rise. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and well-suited for formal writing. While alternatives like "slight rise" or "marginal growth" exist, the specific choice depends on the context. When using "subtle increase", be sure that the change is indeed subtle and that you provide sufficient context to understand what is increasing and by how much. Avoid overstating the significance of the increase, which can be a common writing error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight rise

Emphasizes the small magnitude of the increase.

marginal growth

Focuses on the growth aspect, highlighting its minimal extent.

gradual increment

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the increase.

modest upturn

Implies a positive change, but on a limited scale.

minor escalation

Suggests a small increase in intensity or amount.

gentle climb

Conveys a slow and steady increase.

small augmentation

Highlights the addition or increase being relatively small.

tiny advancement

Emphasizes the minimal progress or increase made.

delicate expansion

Suggests a careful and controlled increase.

insignificant uptick

Underlines the small and potentially negligible nature of the increase.

FAQs

How can I use "subtle increase" in a sentence?

You can use "subtle increase" to describe a small or gradual rise in something, such as "There was a subtle increase in the temperature" or "We observed a subtle increase in the number of participants".

What are some alternatives to "subtle increase"?

Some alternatives include "slight rise", "marginal growth", or "gradual increment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "subtle increase" in formal writing?

Yes, "subtle increase" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in scientific or technical contexts, where precision and nuance are important. However, make sure that a more precise, numerical description isn't more suitable.

What's the difference between "subtle increase" and "significant increase"?

"Subtle increase" indicates a small or barely noticeable rise, while "significant increase" implies a substantial and easily observable rise. The choice depends on the magnitude of the change you are describing.