gradually increase over time

/ˈɡrædʒuəli ɪnˈkriːs ˈəʊvə taɪm/

verb phrase

  1. to become larger, higher, or greater in small steps as time passes

    B1

    intransitive; often in the progressive or present perfect (is gradually increasing / has gradually increased)

    • "Prices gradually increase over time."A2
    • "Her confidence gradually increased over time as she practised."B1
    • "The temperature of the ocean has gradually increased over time because of climate change."B2

  2. used in reports and academic writing to describe a trend in which a figure rises slowly and continuously

    B2

    common in data commentary; often followed by a comma and the figuresformal

    • "Sales gradually increased over time, from 200 units in January to 500 in June."B2
    • "As the study shows, the enzyme's activity gradually increases over time, peaking after about six hours."C1

  3. To become or make something larger, greater, or more numerous little by little as time passes.

    B1

    intransitive or transitive

    • "The days gradually increase in length as spring approaches."B1
    • "If demand continues to rise, the company may gradually increase production over time."B2

Common mistakes

  • The population is gradually increase over time.→The population is gradually increasing over time.

    After the verb be, use the -ing form: is gradually increasing.

  • The number of visitors gradually increased over time very suddenly.→The number of visitors gradually increased over time.

    Gradually means slowly and in small steps, so it cannot be combined with suddenly.

Collocations

a gradual increaseincrease over timerise steadilya steady increaseover a long period

Word family

gradualgraduallyincreaseincreasingincreasingly