An increase vs the increase

Both 'an increase' and 'the increase' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'An increase' is used when referring to a general or unspecified increase, while 'the increase' is used when referring to a specific or previously mentioned increase.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 905 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"An increase "

Use 'an increase' when referring to a general or unspecified increase in something.

Examples:

There has been an increase in the number of students attending the school.
We are expecting an increase in sales next quarter.

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An increase in heart rate was observed in cyanide-poisoned patients.
An increase of over 400%.
An increase is also foreseen in some jobs where no or only lower levels of education are needed.
An increase of the ERASMUS student mobility grant should also be envisaged.
An increase in the appropriations is therefore essential.
An increase to the salary of Dr. Gilbert Scott by five shillings.
An increase in size of 100 MW can be envisaged.
An increase in these indices corresponds to an appreciation of the Member State's currency.
An increase in fee is only applicable as from 25 October 2009.
An increase in funding is essential and the Commission should make a proposal in this regard.
An increase in blood creatinine content and kidney failure has also been observed.
An increase in the incidence of cervical ribs was also noted.
An increase in the EU budget surely requires more justification than is shown.
An increase in the dose of the anticoagulation treatment is frequently required to prevent the blockage occurring.
An increase in the occurrence of blood clots has been observed.
An increase of 30000 tonnes has therefore been proposed.
An increase of 20% no loss of seniority, a commitment against discrimination based on physical appearance.
An increase of over 20 degrees.
An increase in your meager salary Is quite out of the question, colonel.
An increase in the budget seems unavoidable.

Alternatives:

a rise
a growth
a surge
an uptick
an upturn

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"the increase"

Use 'the increase' when referring to a specific or previously mentioned increase in something.

Examples:

The increase in prices has affected our budget.
We need to analyze the increase in website traffic.

Show examples from the web [+]

A further result will be the increase of maritime situational awareness and derived risk assessment.
The claim that the increase in excise would encourage smuggling is not proven.
Investment returns also contributed positively to the increase in market value.
Note the increase in capacity, 100 percent.
That is because control mechanisms have not kept pace with the increase in activities.
This hike follows on from the increase in American rates.
If the increase is not enough then the polluter should pay the balance.
Several parties claimed that the increase in labour costs caused the injury suffered by the Union industry.
Therefore, under these circumstances the increase in productivity cannot be considered a positive element.
It states that the increase in outstanding commitments has never been as high.
We have noted the increase for Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria, which are quite diverse countries.
The damage increases exponentially with the increase in axle weight.
the increase in Community funding for security research;
Furthermore, the increase in stocks entails considerable expenses, including the construction of storage facilities.
The dye-binding step determines if the increase in ionic permeability is due to physical destruction of the stratum corneum.
One need only consider the increase in the consumption of performance-enhancing drugs by young amateur sportspeople.
The most obvious example is the increase of wind power in Denmark, Germany and Spain.
With the increase in urban populations the demand for bushmeat has increased.
Linearity/ non-linearity Exposure to aliskiren increased more than in proportion to the increase in dose.
Area under the curve increased approximately in proportion to the increase in dose.

Alternatives:

the rise
the growth
the surge
the uptick
the upturn

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An increase vs the increase

"An increase "

"the increase"

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