trended upward

USAGE SUMMARY

"trended upward" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used in the context of a trend that is moving in a positive direction. For example, "The company's stock prices have trended upward over the last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Attendance shot up and the league did what its predecessors couldn't: not only did attendance numbers hold, but they trended upward and hit new levels.

The Guardian - Sport

Financial markets trended upward after Greece passed a controversial property-tax increase that may help the nation avoid default and win more bailout cash.

The New Yorker

It fluctuated in the mid-1950s, trended upward through the late 1970s, and back down between the mid-1980s and 2000.

The New York Times - Health

But positively rated messages tracked the rate at which day length changed: that is, they trended upward around the spring equinox in late March, and downward around the fall equinox in late September.

The New York Times - Science

Disaggregating the CPI into these components helps illustrate how the Fed might have underestimated America's economic duress.Interestingly, services inflation has trended upward over the past two years and was 2.3% in the year to April.

The Economist

You will have to forgive the confusing labelling of the graphs, but you get the idea These graphs show prices relative to manufactured goods; in dollar terms many commodity prices have trended upward over the past century.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"And cases are trending upward".

The New York Times - Health

Clearly, the Jets are trending upward.

The New York Times

Within a couple of years it was trending upward again.

The New York Times

Private-sector employment has been trending upward, though not as fast as anyone would like.

The New Yorker

Land prices in East Harlem, as in all of Manhattan, have also been trending upward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trended upward" to describe a general direction or tendency rather than a specific, quantified change. For precise figures, use phrases like "increased by X percent".

Common error

Avoid using "trended upward" to describe short-term fluctuations or isolated increases. This phrase is best suited for depicting overall patterns observed over a significant period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trended upward" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the behavior of a subject (often a numerical value or metric) over a period of time. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and appropriate for indicating a positive direction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trended upward" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase indicating a general positive direction or increase over time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness in describing patterns rather than specific events. Predominantly found in Science and News & Media contexts, it's best suited for formal or neutral communication. When writing, use "trended upward" for overall patterns and avoid its use with short-term fluctuations; consider alternatives like "increased steadily" or "showed an upward trajectory" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moved upward

A simpler and more direct way to express the upward movement.

showed an upward trajectory

Emphasizes the direction and path of the increase.

increased steadily

Focuses on the consistent nature of the increase.

climbed gradually

Suggests a slow and steady ascent.

improved progressively

Highlights the continuous nature of the improvement.

advanced steadily

Suggests a consistent and purposeful forward movement.

rose incrementally

Highlights the gradual nature of the rise.

ascended continuously

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the rise.

progressed positively

Focuses on the beneficial aspect of the progress.

experienced growth

A more general term for positive change.

FAQs

How can I use "trended upward" in a sentence?

You can use "trended upward" to describe a general increase or positive movement over time, like in "The company's profits "trended upward" during the last quarter".

What are some alternatives to "trended upward"?

Some alternatives to "trended upward" include "increased steadily", "rose incrementally", or "showed an upward trajectory".

Is it appropriate to use "trended upward" in formal writing?

Yes, "trended upward" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business or scientific contexts, to describe a general pattern of increase.

What's the difference between "trended upward" and "increased significantly"?

"Trended upward" implies a general direction over time, while "increased significantly" suggests a notable, possibly sudden, rise at a specific point. One refers to general direction, the other to a particular event.