sustained an increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustained an increase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where something has consistently risen or grown over a period of time. Example: "The company sustained an increase in sales throughout the last quarter, indicating strong market demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The drop even sustained an increase in population; between 1997 and 2008, the city's population grew by 12% but daily water use dropped by 27%.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Banks said: "Both [B&B and Northern Rock] have sufficient capital to sustain an increase in the interest rates.

The Guardian - Business

It is not based on prices, although, of course, competitive prices are probably required to sustain an increase in imports.

The New York Times

Once SOCCENT forces have done an assessment and started organizing these groups into special units, the main goal is to sustain an increase in capabilities by U.S. Special Forces Joint Combined Exercise and Training (JCET) and Counter-narcotic training (CNT) missions.

The Guardian

But the central bank's decision drew sharp criticism from government officials, political leaders and many economists who have argued that Japan's economy is still too delicate to sustain an increase in interest rates, no matter how small.

The New York Times

The latest figures will be subject to two revisions, but face close scrutiny by the Bank of England as it decides whether the economy is strong enough to sustain an increase in interest rates in the medium term to dampen inflation.

The Guardian - Business

If, in fact, you could not sustain an increase in any of the income taxes that would raise that kind of money, then we may be looking at a revenue stream possibly coming through cap and trade.

Forbes

"I am sure we will sustain an increase in the level of casualties, and I don't want to be in any way unclear about that," he told troops at Fort Campbell.

Huffington Post

In the livers of patients with type 2 diabetes, elevated energy production sustains an increased gluconeogenesis that results in higher blood glucose levels, which leads to hyperglycemia.

Nature

Cancer cells activate the biosynthesis of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in order to sustain an increasing demand for phospholipids with appropriate acyl composition during cell replication.

Plosone

1 2 Patients with AF sustain an increased risk of arterial thromboembolism and stroke, which are associated with high recurrence and substantial debilitating impact.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sustained an increase", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured and over what period the increase was sustained. For instance, specify "sustained an increase in sales over the past quarter" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "sustained an increase" to describe short-term fluctuations. 'Sustained' implies a notable duration, so reserve it for increases that persist over a significant period rather than temporary spikes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained an increase" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun or clause to indicate that something has experienced a prolonged period of growth. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustained an increase" is a grammatically sound phrase indicating a continued upward trend. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While it appears most frequently in scientific and news reporting, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount; ensure the subject of increase and the period of sustainability are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "maintained a rise" or "experienced a growth" can offer nuanced perspectives depending on the intended emphasis. The key is to reserve "sustained" for increases with significant duration, preventing misapplication to short-lived fluctuations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained a rise

Focuses on the act of keeping something at a higher level rather than the initial increase.

experienced a growth

Emphasizes the process of growing or expanding steadily.

showed a continuous climb

Highlights the ongoing nature of the upward movement.

registered a steady gain

Implies a more measured and gradual increase.

demonstrated a prolonged uptrend

Suggests a trend that has lasted for a considerable time.

exhibited a lasting surge

Emphasizes the enduring quality of a sudden increase.

underwent a consistent escalation

Highlights the gradual and persistent increase in something.

had a persistent upswing

Focuses on the upward turn and its continuation.

recorded an enduring improvement

Stresses the long-lasting nature of the betterment.

achieved a stable increment

Emphasizes the stability and gradual nature of the increase.

FAQs

How can I use "sustained an increase" in a sentence?

You can use "sustained an increase" to describe a situation where something has consistently grown over time. For example, "The company "sustained an increase" in profits throughout the year".

What are some alternatives to using "sustained an increase"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "maintained a rise", "experienced a growth", or "showed a continuous climb" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "sustained an increase" or "maintained an increase"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""sustained an increase"" implies the increase itself was kept up, while "maintained an increase" suggests the higher level was upheld.

What does "sustained" really mean in "sustained an increase"?

In this context, "sustained" means the increase has been maintained or continued for a considerable period, not just a temporary fluctuation. It suggests a lasting change rather than a brief spike.