Increase vs Mount: When To Use Each One In Writing?

In the world of writing, every word counts. Choosing the right word can make all the difference in the impact your writing has on your audience. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “increase” and “mount.” However, there are subtle differences between the two that can affect the meaning of your writing.

So, which is the proper word to use in your writing? The answer is that it depends on the context. In general, “increase” means to make something larger or more numerous, while “mount” means to climb or ascend.

When it comes to using these words in your writing, it’s important to choose the one that best fits the meaning you want to convey. If you’re talking about making something bigger or adding to it, “increase” is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re talking about climbing a mountain or ascending to a higher level, “mount” is the better choice.

Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words in more detail and provide examples of when to use each one.

Define Increase

When we talk about “increase,” we are referring to a rise in quantity, value, or size of something. This could be an increase in sales, an increase in the number of customers, or an increase in the size of a product. Essentially, an increase means that something is growing or expanding.

There are several ways to measure an increase, depending on what is being measured. For example, if we are measuring an increase in sales, we might look at the percentage increase from one period to another, or we might look at the total dollar amount of sales over a given period of time.

It’s important to note that an increase can be both positive and negative. For example, an increase in expenses would be considered negative, while an increase in profit would be considered positive.

Define Mount

The word “mount” is often used interchangeably with “increase,” but it has a slightly different meaning. When we talk about “mounting” something, we are referring to the act of building or assembling it. For example, we might say that we are mounting a new piece of equipment in our factory.

Mount can also refer to the act of climbing or scaling something. For example, a mountain climber might talk about mounting a difficult peak.

In some cases, “mount” can be used to describe an increase, but it usually implies that the increase is more gradual or steady than a sudden jump. For example, we might say that our expenses have been mounting over the past few months, meaning that they have been slowly increasing over time.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can make a significant difference in the message that you are trying to convey. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “increase” and “mount” in a sentence to ensure that your message is clear and concise.

How To Use “Increase” In A Sentence

The word “increase” is commonly used to describe the act of making something larger in size, quantity, or degree. Here are a few examples of how to use “increase” in a sentence:

• Our company plans to increase its profits by 10% this year.
• The number of visitors to our website has increased significantly since we launched our new marketing campaign.
• Regular exercise can increase your overall health and well-being.

As you can see from these examples, “increase” is used to describe a positive change in size, quantity, or degree. It is important to note that “increase” is typically used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun (e.g. “There has been an increase in the number of students attending our school”).

How To Use “Mount” In A Sentence

The word “mount” is often used to describe the act of climbing or ascending, but it can also be used to describe the act of increasing or accumulating. Here are a few examples of how to use “mount” in a sentence:

• The hikers began their mount to the top of the mountain early in the morning.
• The company’s debt continues to mount, making it difficult to stay afloat.
• The evidence against the suspect continues to mount, making his guilt more and more likely.

As you can see from these examples, “mount” is often used to describe a negative change in size, quantity, or degree. It is important to note that “mount” is typically used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun (e.g. “The mount of evidence against the suspect is overwhelming”).

More Examples Of Increase & Mount Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the usage of the words “increase” and “mount”, it’s important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using “Increase” In A Sentence

• The company plans to increase its sales by 20% this quarter.
• The population of the city has increased by 10% in the last decade.
• We need to increase our efforts if we want to achieve our goals.
• The price of gas has increased significantly in the last few months.
• The number of students in the class has increased since last semester.
• Regular exercise can increase your energy levels and improve your health.
• The company’s profits have increased steadily over the past few years.
• She decided to increase her investment in the stock market.
• The government plans to increase funding for education next year.
• The temperature is expected to increase throughout the day.

Examples Of Using “Mount” In A Sentence

• The tension between the two countries continues to mount.
• We watched the snow mount outside our window.
• The evidence against the suspect is mounting.
• She could feel her frustration mounting as she waited in line.
• The debt continues to mount for many college graduates.
• The pressure to succeed can sometimes mount in a competitive work environment.
• As the storm approached, the waves began to mount in the ocean.
• The team’s excitement began to mount as they approached the championship game.
• His anger began to mount as he realized he had been deceived.
• The cost of the project is mounting, and we need to find a way to reduce expenses.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words in the English language, it’s easy to make mistakes. One of the most common mistakes people make is using the words “increase” and “mount” interchangeably. While they may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and should not be used in the same way. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Increase” When You Mean “Mount”

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “increase” when they really mean “mount.” While both words refer to an upward movement, they are not interchangeable. “Increase” means to make something larger or more numerous, while “mount” means to climb up or onto something.

For example, if you say “I need to increase the mountain,” it doesn’t make sense because you can’t make a mountain larger. Instead, you should say “I need to mount the mountain” because you are climbing up it.

Using “Mount” When You Mean “Increase”

Another common mistake is using “mount” when you really mean “increase.” While both words refer to an upward movement, they are not interchangeable. “Increase” means to make something larger or more numerous, while “mount” means to climb up or onto something.

For example, if you say “I need to mount my salary,” it doesn’t make sense because you can’t climb up your salary. Instead, you should say “I need to increase my salary” because you want to make it larger.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the meanings of both words and use them appropriately. Here are some tips:

• Think about the context of the sentence and what you are trying to say.
• If you are talking about making something larger or more numerous, use “increase.”
• If you are talking about climbing up or onto something, use “mount.”
• Double-check your usage before submitting any written work.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “increase” and “mount,” context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. Both words denote an upward movement, but their usage depends on the situation. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “increase” and “mount” might change:

Business

In a business context, “increase” is often used to describe a growth in sales, revenue, or profits. For instance, a company might say that it has increased its sales by 10% compared to the previous year. On the other hand, “mount” is used to describe a gradual accumulation of something, such as debt or expenses. For example, a company might say that its debt has mounted over the years.

Mountaineering

In mountaineering, “mount” is the preferred word to describe the act of climbing a mountain. For example, a climber might say that he or she is planning to mount Mount Everest. On the other hand, “increase” is not commonly used in this context, as it does not accurately convey the physical effort and challenge involved in climbing a mountain.

Technology

In the context of technology, “increase” is often used to describe a rise in the number of users, downloads, or views. For example, a social media platform might say that it has increased its user base by 20% in the last quarter. On the other hand, “mount” is not commonly used in this context, as it does not accurately describe the growth of a digital platform.

Legal

In a legal context, “increase” is often used to describe a rise in the severity of a crime or punishment. For example, a judge might increase the sentence of a convicted criminal. On the other hand, “mount” is not commonly used in this context, as it does not accurately describe the legal process of increasing a punishment.

Overall, the choice between “increase” and “mount” depends on the context in which they are used. While both words denote an upward movement, their usage can vary widely depending on the situation.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “increase” and “mount” may seem straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few cases where the rules may not apply:

1. Mounting Evidence

While “mount” is typically used to describe physical objects being raised or attached, it can also be used in a figurative sense to describe evidence or support for an argument. In this case, “mount” is often used in the phrase “mounting evidence,” which means that the evidence is becoming more and more compelling over time.

Example: “There is mounting evidence to suggest that climate change is having a significant impact on our planet.”

2. Increase Vs. Increasing

While “increase” is typically used as a verb or noun to describe a change in quantity or degree, “increasing” is often used as an adjective to describe a trend or pattern. In this case, “increasing” is used to describe something that is getting bigger or more frequent over time.

Example: “There has been an increasing number of cases of COVID-19 in recent weeks.”

3. Exceptions In Specific Contexts

There are also some specific contexts where the rules for using “increase” and “mount” may not apply. For example:

Context	Example
Finance	“The company’s profits increased by 10% last quarter.”
Construction	“The workers mounted the roof trusses onto the frame.”
Horseback Riding	“She mounted her horse and rode off into the sunset.”

While these contexts may use “increase” and “mount” in slightly different ways, the basic rules still apply. It’s important to consider the context and meaning of the words when using them in different situations.

Practice Exercises

Understanding the difference between increase and mount is crucial for effective communication. To help readers improve their understanding and use of these words in sentences, here are a few practice exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct word (increase or mount) to complete the sentences:

1. The company plans to __________ its production by 20% next year.
2. The hiker began to __________ the mountain as the sun rose.
3. The price of gasoline has __________ significantly in the past month.
4. The soldiers were ordered to __________ the hill and establish a base camp.
5. The teacher noticed a __________ in the student’s grades after he started studying more.

Answer Key:

1. increase
2. mount
3. increased
4. mount
5. increase

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using either increase or mount in the correct context:

Answer Key:

1. The company plans to increase its profits by 10% this quarter.
2. The climber began to mount the steep cliff face with the help of his team.
3. The number of COVID-19 cases in the city has increased dramatically in the past week.
4. The soldiers were ordered to mount a rescue mission for the hostages.
5. The athlete’s stamina has increased significantly since she started training with a coach.

By practicing these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of increase and mount in sentences. Remember, context is key in determining which word to use, so always consider the situation before making a choice.

Conclusion

After examining the differences between “increase” and “mount,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. While “increase” refers to a gradual or steady growth in quantity or size, “mount” implies a sudden or rapid increase, often with a sense of intensity or urgency.

It is important to use these words correctly in order to convey your intended meaning and avoid confusion. Additionally, paying attention to nuances in language use can help you communicate more effectively and establish credibility as a writer.

Key Takeaways:

• “Increase” and “mount” have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.
• “Increase” implies gradual growth, while “mount” implies a sudden or rapid increase.
• Paying attention to nuances in language use can help you communicate more effectively and establish credibility as a writer.

As with any aspect of grammar and language use, there is always more to learn. By continuing to study and practice, you can improve your writing skills and become a more effective communicator.