upward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a direction or movement that is towards a higher position or level. Example: "The economy is showing signs of upward growth, indicating a potential recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ben Sowter, head of research at QS, described NTU Singapore's upward rise through the rankings as "nothing short of impressive.

The Guardian

But the issues around the various medications do not seem to have affected the long-term upward trend.

The Guardian

On the opening, title track, his central chorus line is a breathtaking update of her ruminations – hope and longing swing upward, are briefly lit, and then pad softly down into a dim world of inner brooding.

The Guardian - Music

Markets reacted by moving lazily upward, with the Dow up.86% at midday.

The Guardian - Business

"I see an upward curve in the last two weeks," said the chief executive, Hans-Joachim Watzke.

The Guardian - Sport

The chairman of the Federal Reserve appears blissfully unconcerned at the upward trend in America's cost of living.

The Guardian - Business

Yet Foals also feel like a band on a steady upward trajectory, with each record improving on the last.

The Guardian - Music

In their introduction to the memoirs, the economists Graham Hacche and Christopher Taylor, who worked for Dow, note that "the main worries for UK watchers when Dow entered the Bank were slower trend productivity growth than in other major economies, persistent balance of payment problems, and an upward trend in inflation".

The Guardian - Business

Pulling money out of the economy will push economic growth down and put upward pressure on unemployment.

The Guardian - Opinion

With less than a week to the election, Cameron still needs the polls to change more than Miliband does – and there is no firm evidence to suggest this will happen nor that the current upward trend in the polls will last to polling day.

The Guardian

Whereas the careers of most Palace players are on upward trajectories – in 2010 for instance Bolasie could be found at Barnet, James McArthur at Hamilton and Jason Puncheon with MK Dons – the supposed promise of, among others, Sunderland's Jack Rodwell, Connor Wickham and Adam Johnson stalled after their arrival at the Stadium of Light.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends, use "upward" to indicate a positive direction or increase. For example, "an upward trend in sales" is clearer than "sales going up."

Common error

While both "upward" and "upwards" can function as adverbs, "upward" can also be an adjective. Use "upward" before nouns (e.g., "upward trajectory") and "upwards" when you want to emphasize direction of movement.

Linguistic Context

The word "upward" functions primarily as an adverb and sometimes as an adjective. As Ludwig AI states, it describes direction from lower to higher or toward a higher place. Examples include phrases like "upward trend" or sentences indicating an upward movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upward" is a versatile term, frequently used as an adverb or adjective to describe movement or trends from lower to higher. As Ludwig AI indicates, the term is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly featured in contexts such as News & Media and Formal & Business writing, it signifies a positive direction or increment. While interchangeable with "upwards" in some cases, "upward" also serves adjectival roles, enriching its utility. To ensure clarity, consider that "upward" best suits directional or trend-related instances, rather than generalized increases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascending

Focuses on the act of rising or climbing, similar to "upward" in describing movement.

trending upward

Specifically describes a pattern of increase over time.

ascendant

Describes a rising or dominant position, slightly different from a simple directional movement.

on the rise

Indicates an increasing trend or popularity, differing from physical direction.

climbing

Emphasizes effort and progress in an upward direction.

going up

A more informal way to express an upward direction or movement.

inclining

Suggests a slope or bend upwards, implying a change in direction.

escalating

Refers to a rapid increase in intensity or amount, more dramatic than simple "upward" movement.

improving

Similar to developing, focusing on positive advancement.

developing

Suggests progressive growth and improvement, not necessarily in a literal upward sense.

FAQs

How can I use "upward" in a sentence?

You can use "upward" to describe movement towards a higher place, like "The bird flew "upward" into the sky", or to describe an increasing trend, such as "There's an "upward" trend in the stock market".

What's the difference between "upward" and "upwards"?

"Upward" and "upwards" are often interchangeable, but "upward" can also be an adjective. For example, you can say ""upward" mobility" but not "upwards mobility". "Upwards" is typically used as an adverb to indicate direction.

What are some synonyms for "upward"?

Some synonyms for "upward" include "ascending", "rising", and "skyward", depending on the context.

When should I use "upward" instead of "increasing"?

Use "upward" when you want to specifically emphasize a vertical or directional movement or trend. "Increasing" is a more general term that simply means something is getting larger, while "upward" implies a specific direction.