increase (something) by (something)
To expand something to a certain extent. Our aggressive new marketing campaign has increased our small company by 25 percent in the past year. What was once a tiny local choir club has increased by leaps and bounds over the years, becoming one of the state's largest organized choir communities. After I adopted a new teaching method, my students' reading comprehension improved by nearly 80%!
increase (something) from (something)
To expand something or make it larger. We really need to increase this photo from an 8x10—is that possible? You really need to increase your 401k contribution from a measly $20 a month. What can we do to increase donations from 10% of alumni to a number much higher?
increase by leaps and bounds
To expand or grow rapidly or by very large degrees. Our small company has been increasing by leaps and bounds over the past year, thanks in no small part to our aggressive new marketing campaign. What was once a tiny local choir club has increased by leaps and bounds over the years, becoming one of the state's largest organized choir communities. After I adopted a new teaching method, my students' reading comprehension improved by leaps and bounds.
increase in (something)
To develop a particular quality or aptitude over time. Bobby has increased in maturity so much this summer—he's not the troublemaker he once was. After I adopted a new teaching method, my students increased in reading comprehension by nearly 80%! Wow, you've certainly increased in fluency since your semester in Spain!
on the increase
Increasing or growing steadily or rapidly. Infection rates are on the increase in the area due to inadequate access to clean water. Demand for the unusual cheese has been on the increase ever since it was featured on a popular cooking show.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
increase by leaps and bounds
Fig. to increase or grow by large increments. (See also gain by leaps and bounds.) The price of our stock is increasing by leaps and bounds.
increase in something
to grow or expand in some quality. He increased in stature and wisdom. The tree increased in size every year.
increase something by something
to enlarge something by an amount or degree. They increased the size of the house by two hundred square feet. The engine size on the new model has been increased by a small amount.
increase something (from something) (to something)
to enlarge something from something to something bigger; to enlarge something from one size to a larger size. We plan to increase sales from four million to six million dollars. I increased my bid to two thousand from one thousand.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
on the increase
Growing, especially in frequency of occurrence, as in Violent crime is on the increase. [Mid-1700s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
on the increase
Increasing, especially in frequency of occurrence: Crime is on the increase.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.