A2verb1K

Increase

UK /["/ɪnˈkriːs/","/ɪnˈkriːsɪz/","/ɪnˈkriːst/","/ɪnˈkriːsɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪnˈkriːs/","/ɪnˈkriːsɪz/","/ɪnˈkriːst/","/ɪnˈkriːsɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to become greater in amount, number, value, etc.; to make something greater in amount, number, value, etc.

In simple words: To make something larger in amount or size.

Examples

  • We need to increase our budget for the project.
  • The company plans to increase production next year.
  • If you study hard, your grades will increase.
  • He decided to increase the volume of the music.
  • The charity aims to increase awareness about climate change.

Usage notes

Use 'increase' in contexts involving growth, improvement, or enhancement. It is appropriate for both spoken and written English, but avoid in overly casual conversations where simpler words like 'go up' might be preferred.

Grammar pattern

increase + object

Memory hint

Think of a rising graph — when things increase, the line goes up!

Collocations

  • considerably
  • dramatically
  • drastically
  • be expected to
  • be likely to
  • by
  • from
  • in

Synonyms

  • augment
  • boost
  • amplify
  • expand
  • enhance

Antonyms

  • decrease
  • reduce
  • diminish

Common mistakes

  • Using 'increases' as a noun instead of a verb.
  • Confusing 'increase' with 'decrease' which has the opposite meaning.
  • Incorrectly forming the past tense as 'increased' when it should be 'increased' without a change.