B2 Collocation Neutro 2 min de leitura

dramatic increase

Sharp rise

Use this phrase when a change is big enough to make people stop and notice immediately.

Em 15 segundos

  • A very large and sudden rise in amount or level.
  • Perfect for business reports, news, or serious personal complaints.
  • Implies the change is surprising, shocking, or highly visible.

Significado

Imagine a line on a graph suddenly shooting straight up like a rocket. It describes a change that is very large, very fast, and impossible to ignore.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

Discussing office expenses

We've seen a dramatic increase in paper costs this quarter.

We've seen a sharp rise in paper costs this quarter.

💼
2

Talking about a local trend

There has been a dramatic increase in people cycling to work.

There has been a sharp rise in people cycling to work.

🤝
3

Complaining about utility bills

My electricity bill showed a dramatic increase last month!

My electricity bill showed a sharp rise last month!

💭
🌍

Contexto cultural

The phrase draws from the world of theater to describe data, reflecting a Western tendency to narrate business and social trends as 'stories.' It became particularly popular in the late 20th century as data-driven news reporting became the standard.

💡

The 'In' Rule

Always follow the phrase with 'in'. For example: 'A dramatic increase in prices.' Never say 'increase of' unless you are stating the exact amount (e.g., 'An increase of 50%').

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If everything is 'dramatic,' then nothing is. Save this for changes that are truly 20% or more, or feel very sudden.

Em 15 segundos

  • A very large and sudden rise in amount or level.
  • Perfect for business reports, news, or serious personal complaints.
  • Implies the change is surprising, shocking, or highly visible.

What It Means

Dramatic increase describes a massive jump in numbers or intensity. It is not just a small step up. It is a giant leap. Think of a movie scene with high tension. That is where the word dramatic comes from. It implies that the change is shocking or impressive. If your coffee bill goes from $20 to $100, that is a dramatic increase.

How To Use It

You usually put this phrase after a subject. Use it with nouns like prices, temperature, or interest. You can say "There has been a dramatic increase in..." or "We saw a dramatic increase in...". It works perfectly when you want to sound convincing. It paints a vivid picture in the listener's mind. Use it to highlight something that surprised you.

When To Use It

This is your go-to phrase for work presentations. It makes your data sound more exciting. Use it when discussing social trends or climate change. It is great for news reports or serious blog posts. You can also use it when complaining to friends. Tell them about the dramatic increase in your rent. It adds a bit of flair to your storytelling.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it for tiny changes. If your weight goes up by one ounce, it is not a dramatic increase. That just sounds silly. Avoid it in very casual, slang-heavy texts. Your best friend might think you are being too formal. Don't use it if the change happened very slowly over fifty years. That is a gradual increase. Keep it for the big, fast shocks.

Cultural Background

English speakers love using theatrical words for emphasis. The word dramatic relates to the theater and stage plays. It suggests that the data has a story to tell. In Western business culture, growth is highly valued. Using dramatic makes success sound even more heroic. It reflects a culture that values big results and clear evidence.

Common Variations

You might hear people say sharp rise or significant jump. Some might use exponential growth if they are feeling nerdy. Sudden spike is common for very fast changes. If you want to be even more intense, try staggering increase. However, dramatic increase is the most balanced and popular choice. It is the "Goldilocks" of descriptions—just right for most situations.

Notas de uso

This is a neutral-to-formal collocation. It is safe for the office, news, and serious conversations, but might feel slightly 'extra' in very casual slang environments.

💡

The 'In' Rule

Always follow the phrase with 'in'. For example: 'A dramatic increase in prices.' Never say 'increase of' unless you are stating the exact amount (e.g., 'An increase of 50%').

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If everything is 'dramatic,' then nothing is. Save this for changes that are truly 20% or more, or feel very sudden.

💬

The British Understatement

In the UK, people might say 'quite a significant increase' to mean the same thing. 'Dramatic' is slightly more common in American English, which tends to be more direct.

Exemplos

6
#1 Discussing office expenses
💼

We've seen a dramatic increase in paper costs this quarter.

We've seen a sharp rise in paper costs this quarter.

Professional way to highlight a budget problem.

#2 Talking about a local trend
🤝

There has been a dramatic increase in people cycling to work.

There has been a sharp rise in people cycling to work.

Observing a positive social shift.

#3 Complaining about utility bills
💭

My electricity bill showed a dramatic increase last month!

My electricity bill showed a sharp rise last month!

Expressing shock at a high cost.

#4 Texting about a viral video
😊

That video had a dramatic increase in views overnight.

That video had a sharp rise in views overnight.

Describing digital popularity.

#5 A humorous observation about aging
😄

I've noticed a dramatic increase in the number of gray hairs on my head.

I've noticed a sharp rise in the number of gray hairs on my head.

Using formal language for a funny personal realization.

#6 Formal news reporting
👔

Scientists report a dramatic increase in ocean temperatures.

Scientists report a sharp rise in ocean temperatures.

Serious tone for global issues.

Teste-se

Choose the best word to complete the phrase for a big change.

The company reported a ___ increase in sales after the holiday campaign.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: dramatic

The word `dramatic` fits best because it emphasizes a large, impressive change often seen after big campaigns.

Identify the correct preposition to use with the phrase.

There was a dramatic increase ___ the number of applications.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: in

In English, we almost always say an 'increase in' a specific category or group.

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Formality Spectrum of 'Dramatic Increase'

Informal

Using 'huge jump' or 'crazy rise'

My rent took a huge jump.

Neutral

Standard use of 'dramatic increase'

There is a dramatic increase in traffic.

Formal

Using 'substantial appreciation' or 'significant growth'

The assets saw substantial appreciation.

Where to use 'Dramatic Increase'

Dramatic Increase
📊

Business Meeting

Presenting quarterly profits.

📰

News Headline

Reporting on inflation.

🏥

Doctor's Visit

Discussing heart rate.

📱

Social Media

Talking about follower growth.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Not at all! You can have a dramatic increase in profits, happiness, or chocolate sales. It just means the change is big and fast.

Yes, but it might sound a bit serious. If you're texting a friend about your phone battery dying, it's a bit much, but for a big life update, it's fine.

The most common opposite is a dramatic decrease or a sharp decline. You could also say a slight increase for a small change.

Yes, dramatic increase is more professional. You would use it in a report, while big jump is better for a chat over coffee.

In this context, it doesn't mean people are arguing. It just means the change is 'theatrical' or very easy to see.

Yes! That is the verb form. For example: 'The price has dramatically increased.' It means the same thing.

Usually, it implies the change happened quickly enough to be surprising. If it took 100 years, we wouldn't call it dramatic.

Yes, it is very common in university essays and scientific papers to describe data trends.

Usually, we use it for quantities or levels. You wouldn't say a person had a dramatic increase unless you mean their height or weight.

Using it for something that is actually small. If you use it for a 1% change, people will think you don't understand the data.

Frases relacionadas

Sharp rise

A very quick and steep increase.

Sudden spike

A very brief but massive increase.

Significant growth

An increase that is important and large enough to matter.

Skyrocketed

An informal verb meaning something went up extremely fast.

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