to increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to increase" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about something getting bigger or more numerous. For example: "The company implemented new strategies to increase its customer base."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To increase pressure on Qaddafi?

The New Yorker

But what taxes to increase?

The New York Times

Oil prices continued to increase.

The New York Times

Time to increase the dosage.

The Economist

Time to increase his burden.

The Economist

Home prices continue to increase.

The New York Times

But these numbers will continue to increase.

The New York Times

Retail container traffic is expected to increase.

The New York Times

He wants to increase its mass appeal.

The New York Times - Sports

Meanwhile, energy consumption has continued to increase.

The New York Times

So presumably we need to increase knowledge.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to increase", ensure that the subject and object of the increase are clearly defined for clarity. For example, instead of saying "to increase", specify "to increase sales" or "to increase efficiency".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "to increase" in every context. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "expand", "grow", or "raise" to maintain reader engagement and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to increase" functions primarily as an infinitive of purpose, often indicating the goal or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express the act of making something larger or more significant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to increase" serves as a versatile infinitive phrase, commonly employed to denote the purpose or intention of enlarging or enhancing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, it maintains a neutral register, adapting its formality based on the surrounding language. For effective writing, ensure the context of the increase is clear and consider varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "expand" or "augment" for added precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to raise

Indicates lifting something to a higher position or increasing its amount or level.

to expand

Refers to growing in size, scope or extent.

to boost

Suggests improving or increasing something quickly and effectively.

to enlarge

Refers to making something bigger in size.

to augment

Implies adding something to increase its size or value; more formal.

to intensify

Means to make something stronger or more extreme.

to heighten

Implies making something more intense or prominent.

to amplify

Suggests increasing the sound or effect of something.

to magnify

Implies making something appear larger than it is, often used metaphorically.

to escalate

Indicates a rapid or dramatic increase, often in intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "to increase" to describe the action of making something larger or greater, as in "The company aims "to increase profits" this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "to increase"?

Alternatives include "to augment", "to expand", or "to heighten", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "to increase" and "to raise"?

While both imply making something greater, "to increase" generally refers to gradual growth, while "to raise" can imply a more direct or forceful action. For example, "to increase productivity" vs. "to raise prices".

When is it not appropriate to use "to increase"?

It might not be appropriate if a more specific verb would provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of saying "to increase speed", you might say "to accelerate".