What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
increased
Example
The company's profits increased by 20% this year. [increased: past tense]
Example
The teacher noticed an increased interest in the subject among her students. [increased: adjective]
expanded
Example
The company expanded its operations to include international markets. [expanded: past tense]
Example
The course curriculum was expanded to cover more topics. [expanded: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Increased is more common than expanded in everyday language, as it is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts. Expanded is less common but is often used in formal or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between increased and expanded?
Expanded is more formal than increased, and is often used in academic or technical contexts. Increased is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.