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Have you ever been in a meeting where everyone’s excited about growth, but you’re stuck using the same phrases—like things are improving or sales are going up?
In Business English, professionals use a variety of expressions to describe an upward trend. Using the right terms makes you sound more confident and natural.
Here are six common ways to describe growth in business.
1. Gain Momentum
When something is gaining momentum, it’s starting to grow at an increasing pace, kind of like a snowball rolling down a hill.
Our new product line is gaining momentum, and we expect sales to double by next quarter.
Our campaign is gaining momentum, and we’ve seen a 20% increase in engagement.
Their project will gain momentum once they secure additional funding.
Listen to how Ethan uses this expression in a conversation:
(The link to the full dialogue and practice exercises is at the bottom of the page.)
2. See Steady Growth
This one’s all about consistent, long-term growth. There are no big jumps, just a steady climb, like a slow and steady march toward success.
The renewable energy sector has seen steady growth as more companies invest in sustainability.
Our company has seen steady growth in revenue over the past three years.
The subscription service is seeing steady growth as more users sign up each month.
Our team has seen steady growth in productivity.
The fitness industry continues to see steady growth as more people prioritize health and wellness.
Listen to how Rachel uses this expression in a conversation:
(The link to the full dialogue and practice exercises is at the bottom of the page.)
3. On the Rise
If something is on the rise, it means it's steadily increasing and showing no signs of slowing down. Perfect for trends, demand, or engagement that keep climbing.
More people are switching to AI-powered tools, and the demand for automation is definitely on the rise.
Freelance work is on the rise, with more professionals opting for flexible careers.
The popularity of plant-based food products is on the rise globally.
Interest rates are on the rise, making borrowing more expensive for businesses.
The use of electric vehicles is on the rise as governments push for sustainability.
Listen to how Rachel uses this expression in a conversation:
(The link to the full dialogue and practice exercises is at the bottom of the page.)
4. Trend Upward
This phrase means that something is gradually increasing or improving over time. It’s commonly used when discussing business performance or trends and shows that something is consistently moving in a positive direction.
The company’s stock price has been trending upward since the product launch.
Subscription-based business models are trending upward, especially in the software industry.
Our monthly sales have been trending upward since we launched the new ad campaign.
E-commerce sales have been trending upward.
Employee engagement levels have been trending upward since the company introduced new wellness programs.
Listen to how Ethan uses this expression in a conversation:
(The link to the full dialogue and practice exercises is at the bottom of the page.)
5. Experience/ See a Surge
A surge refers to a sudden and significant increase in numbers. It's often used when there is a quick rise in sales, profits, or customer demand.
There's been a surge in orders this week after the new ad campaign.
The company is dealing with a surge in customer inquiries due to the holiday season.
Our website has seen a surge in traffic after the promotion went live.
We’ve seen a new surge in customer sign-ups after our latest update.
The e-commerce sector is experiencing a new surge as holiday shopping picks up.
Tourism has seen a new surge as more people resume international travel.
Listen to how Rachel uses this expression in a conversation:
(The link to the full dialogue and practice exercises is at the bottom of the page.)
6. Hit New Highs
This one’s all about reaching new records or milestones. When you hit new highs, you’ve achieved the best results yet.
Our quarterly revenue just hit new highs.
Gold prices have hit new highs, driven by economic uncertainty.
Tech stocks hit new highs after a strong earnings season.
Employee satisfaction scores hit new highs after the company introduced better benefits.
Consumer spending has hit a new high, signaling economic recovery.
Listen to how Ethan uses this expression in a conversation:
(The link to the full dialogue and practice exercises is at the bottom of the page.)
Which of these expressions do you hear most often in your workplace?
