year by year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "year by year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual change or progression that occurs annually over time. Example: "The company's profits have increased year by year, demonstrating consistent growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Year by year, the good life vanished.

The New Yorker

Year by year its arts programming grows.

The New York Times - Arts

Mild symptoms of PPV disappeared year by year.

Journal of Integrative Agriculture

"The economics are definitely year by year.

The New York Times

Year by year his foot got worse.

The Guardian - Music

Year by year, Wedgwood's business expanded.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Year-by-year results from Pew can be found here.

The New York Times

Climate is not a year-by-year phenomenon.

The Guardian

Reform effect on retained FJ year-by-year.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

The ten-year numbers link the year-by-year averages.

Forbes

Indeed, the concerns over the big healthcare data security and privacy are increased year-by-year.

Journal of Big Data

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "year by year" to emphasize a gradual or incremental change that happens consistently every year. This phrasing highlights the consistent nature of the change.

Common error

Avoid repeating "year by year" too frequently within a short passage. Vary your language by using alternatives like "annually" or "over the years" to maintain reader engagement and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "year by year" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate a gradual or progressive change occurring annually. This is supported by examples from Ludwig, showcasing its use in describing trends and developments over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "year by year" functions as an adverbial phrase denoting gradual, annual change. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While highly versatile, consider varying your phrasing to avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "annually" or "from year to year" can offer nuanced differences in emphasis. Be mindful of the context to ensure the most appropriate choice for expressing consistent, incremental progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

each year

Simple and direct alternative, focusing on the individual year.

annually

Single word replacement for a more concise expression.

from year to year

Slightly more formal and emphasizes a comparison between consecutive years.

on a yearly basis

More formal and emphasizes a systematic evaluation or occurrence.

with each passing year

More descriptive, emphasizing the progression of time and its impact.

in successive years

Highlights the sequential nature of the years in question.

over the years

Indicates a longer, less specific timeframe than "year by year".

as the years go by

Emphasizes the continuous passage of time and cumulative effect.

yearly

Adjective form, requires restructuring the sentence.

per annum

Formal, often used in financial contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "year by year" in a sentence?

The phrase "year by year" typically modifies a verb, indicating a gradual change or progression over time. For example, "The company's profits increased "year by year"" demonstrates a consistent annual growth.

What's the difference between "year by year" and "year after year"?

While both phrases suggest a recurring event, "year by year" emphasizes a gradual change or progression. "Year after year" simply indicates that something happens repeatedly each year, without necessarily implying a change. The phrase "year after year" focuses on repetition.

Which is correct, "year by year" or "year after year" for describing consistent growth?

Both phrases can be used, but "year by year" is more appropriate for describing consistent growth because it highlights the incremental nature of the change. "Year after year" simply implies that growth occurred in successive years without emphasizing the gradual progression. Choose "year after year" carefully.

Are there more formal alternatives to "year by year"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "annually" or "on a yearly basis". These options are suitable for business or academic writing where a more concise and professional tone is desired. Avoid phrases such as "on a yearly basis" in informal contexts.