Increase vs Increasement: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to discussing growth and expansion, the words “increase” and “increasement” are often used interchangeably. However, is there a correct usage of these two words? In this article, we will explore the differences between increase and increasement, and when to use each one.

It is important to note that “increase” is the more commonly used word. It is a verb that means to make something larger in size, quantity, or degree. On the other hand, “increasement” is a noun that refers to the act of increasing or the amount by which something increases.

So, while both words refer to growth or expansion, “increase” is the proper word to use when referring to the action of making something larger, while “increasement” is the proper word to use when referring to the amount by which something has increased.

Throughout the rest of this article, we will delve deeper into the nuances of these two words and explore their usage in different contexts.

Define Increase

When we talk about increase, we are referring to the act of making something larger in size, quantity, or degree. This term is often used to describe growth or expansion in various contexts such as economics, finance, and even personal development. An increase can be gradual or sudden, and it can be measured in different ways depending on the situation. For example, in the context of business, an increase in revenue can be measured in dollars or as a percentage of the previous year’s revenue.

Define Increasement

Increasement is a less commonly used term that is often used interchangeably with increase. However, increasement specifically refers to the process of making something larger or increasing it in size. This term is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts, such as in the field of physics or engineering. Increasement can also refer to the rate at which something is increasing, or the degree to which something is increasing. For example, in the context of physics, increasement can refer to the rate at which velocity is increasing over time.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words is crucial. One common point of confusion is when to use “increase” versus “increasement.” In this article, we will explore the proper usage of both words in a sentence.

How To Use “Increase” In A Sentence

The word “increase” is a verb that means to make something bigger or greater in amount, quantity, or degree. Here are some examples of how to use “increase” in a sentence:

• The company plans to increase its profits by 10% this year.
• Regular exercise can increase your energy levels.
• The number of students in the class will increase from 25 to 30 next semester.

Note that “increase” can also be used as a noun to refer to the act of making something bigger or greater:

• The increase in sales was attributed to the new marketing strategy.
• There has been a steady increase in the number of visitors to the museum.

How To Use “Increasement” In A Sentence

The word “increasement” is a noun that means the act of increasing or the state of being increased. However, it is not commonly used in modern English and is considered archaic or obsolete. In most cases, it is better to use “increase” instead. Here is an example of how to use “increasement” in a sentence:

• The king was pleased with the increasement of his kingdom’s territory.

While “increasement” may be technically correct, it is important to consider the context and audience of your writing. In most cases, using “increase” will be more appropriate and easier for your readers to understand.

More Examples Of Increase & Increasement Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide you with examples of how to use the words “increase” and “increasement” in a sentence. These examples will help you understand how to use these words in context and improve your writing skills.

Examples Of Using “Increase” In A Sentence

• The company plans to increase its profits by 20% this year.
• The number of students in the class has increased from 20 to 30.
• The price of gas has increased by 10 cents per gallon.
• The company is looking to increase its market share in the next quarter.
• The population of the city has increased by 5% in the last year.
• The company’s revenue has increased by $1 million in the last quarter.
• She decided to increase her exercise routine to lose weight.
• The demand for the product has increased since it was launched.
• The company has increased its advertising budget to reach more customers.
• The temperature is expected to increase by 10 degrees tomorrow.

Examples Of Using “Increasement” In A Sentence

• The increasement in sales was due to the new marketing campaign.
• The company is hoping for an increasement in profits this year.
• There has been a noticeable increasement in traffic on the roads.
• The increasement in the number of employees has led to a need for more office space.
• The company is considering an increasement in the number of products it offers.
• There has been an increasement in the number of customers since the store opened.
• The increasement in demand for the product has led to a shortage of supply.
• The company is planning an increasement in its production capacity.
• The increasement in the company’s stock price has led to higher investor confidence.
• The increasement in the number of tourists has led to a boost in the local economy.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “increase” and “increasement,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, this is incorrect and can lead to confusion in communication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Increasement” As A Noun

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “increasement” as a noun. While “increase” can be used as both a noun and a verb, “increasement” is not a valid noun in the English language. Instead, use “increase” as a noun or “increase” as a verb and “increase in” as a prepositional phrase. For example:

• Incorrect: The increasement in sales was due to the new marketing campaign.
• Correct: The increase in sales was due to the new marketing campaign.

Using “Increase” And “Increasement” Interchangeably

Another common mistake is using “increase” and “increasement” interchangeably. While they may seem similar, they have different meanings. “Increase” refers to the act of becoming greater in size, amount, or degree, while “increasement” is not a valid word in the English language. To avoid this mistake, make sure to use “increase” correctly in your sentences. For example:

• Incorrect: The company saw a significant increasement in profits last quarter.
• Correct: The company saw a significant increase in profits last quarter.

Not Using The Correct Form Of “Increase”

Finally, another common mistake is not using the correct form of “increase.” “Increase” can be used as a noun, verb, or adjective, and it is important to use the correct form in your sentences. For example:

• Incorrect: The increased profits allowed the company to expand.
• Correct: The increase in profits allowed the company to expand.

To avoid these mistakes in the future, make sure to double-check your usage of “increase” and “increasement” and use the correct form of “increase” in your sentences. By doing so, you can ensure clear and effective communication in your writing.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “increase” and “increasement,” context is key. The decision on which term to use can depend on the specific situation in which they are being used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

• Formal Writing: In formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, “increasement” is rarely used. Instead, “increase” is the preferred term as it is considered more standard and professional.
• Everyday Conversation: In everyday conversation, both “increase” and “increasement” are commonly used interchangeably. However, “increase” is still the more commonly used term.
• Business Reports: In business reports, the choice between “increase” and “increasement” may depend on the audience. If the report is intended for a more formal audience, “increase” may be preferred. However, if the report is intended for a more casual audience, “increasement” may be acceptable.
• Scientific Writing: In scientific writing, “increase” is typically the preferred term as it is considered more precise and scientific. However, there may be situations where “increasement” is more appropriate, such as when discussing rates of change.

Overall, the choice between “increase” and “increasement” can depend on the specific context in which they are being used. It is important to consider the audience and purpose of the writing before making a decision on which term to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

While it is generally accepted that “increase” is the preferred term to use when discussing growth or expansion, there are certain situations where “increasement” may be more appropriate. Here are some exceptions to the rules:

Legal Terminology

In some legal contexts, “increasement” may be used to refer to the act of increasing or the amount by which something is increased. For example, in a contract, the term “increasement” may be used to specify the amount by which a payment will be increased over time. However, it is important to note that this usage is not common outside of legal contexts.

Regional Differences

In some regions, particularly in the United Kingdom, “increasement” may be used more frequently than in other areas. This can be seen in phrases such as “salary increasement” or “rent increasement.” However, this usage is not as common in other English-speaking countries.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice between “increase” and “increasement” may come down to personal preference. Some individuals may simply prefer the sound or feel of one term over the other, and may use it accordingly. However, it is important to keep in mind that “increase” is generally considered to be the more standard and widely accepted term.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of increase and increasement is through practice exercises. These exercises will help you to identify the correct usage of the words and also improve your sentence construction skills. Here are some exercises that you can practice:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of increase or increasement:

1. The __________ in the number of COVID-19 cases is alarming.
2. The __________ in the number of visitors to the museum has been steady.
3. We need to __________ our efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
4. The __________ of the company’s profits was due to increased sales.
5. There has been a significant __________ in the number of students attending online classes.

Answer Key:

1. increase
2. increasement
3. increase
4. increase
5. increase

Exercise 2: Construct Sentences

Construct sentences using increase and increasement:

Subject	Predicate
The price of oil
Our company
She
The government
The population

Answer Key:

Subject	Predicate
The price of oil	has seen an increase in the last few months.
Our company	is experiencing an increasement in sales.
She	noticed an increase in her salary this year.
The government	is planning to increase taxes to raise revenue.
The population	has shown a steady increase over the last decade.

These exercises will help you to improve your understanding and use of increase and increasement. By practicing regularly, you will gain confidence in your ability to use these words correctly in your writing and speaking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between “increase” and “increasement” may seem small, but it can have a big impact on the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Remember that “increase” is the more common and accepted word, while “increasement” is outdated and less commonly used.

When writing, it’s important to choose words that accurately convey your intended meaning and are appropriate for your audience. By understanding the nuances of language and grammar, you can improve the effectiveness of your communication and enhance your credibility as a writer.

If you want to continue learning about grammar and language use, there are many resources available to help you. Consider taking a writing course, reading books on grammar and style, or subscribing to a language-focused blog or newsletter. With practice and dedication, you can become a skilled and confident writer.