📚 Both Tasks

Synonyms & Word Upgrades

Replace weak, overused words with precise academic alternatives. Each entry includes register, usage guidance, and example sentences.

Describing upward trends in graphs, or growing problems in essays

surgeformal

A sudden, dramatic rise

e.g.Demand for electric vehicles surged in 2022.

soarformal

A rapid and impressive rise, often unexpected

e.g.Property prices soared over the past decade.

escalateformal

Increase in intensity or severity (often negative)

e.g.The cost of living has escalated alarmingly in recent years.

climbneutral

A steady, consistent increase

e.g.Temperatures have been climbing steadily since the 1980s.

growneutral

General increase — organic, steady

e.g.The elderly population has grown significantly.

expandformal

Increase in size, scope, or reach

e.g.The company expanded its operations into three new markets.

mountformal

Grow in intensity, usually of pressure or problems

e.g.Pressure on healthcare systems has been mounting.

accelerateformal

Increase in speed/rate over time

e.g.Urbanisation has accelerated dramatically over the past twenty years.

spikesemi-formal

A sudden, sharp, and often brief increase

e.g.There was a notable spike in unemployment during the recession.

proliferateformal

Increase rapidly in number

e.g.Social media platforms have proliferated in the past decade.

🚫 Avoid in Academic Writing:

go up a lotincrease a lotget biggerbe more