Understanding Prepositions with 'Increase'

The question asks us to select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the sentence: "Last year there was an increase ________ the number of road accidents on the Eastern Expressway." This requires choosing the correct preposition to follow the noun 'increase'.

Analyzing the Options for Preposition Use

Let's examine each option and how it is typically used with the word 'increase' or in similar contexts:

• at: The preposition 'at' with 'increase' usually refers to a specific point or rate, e.g., "The population increased at a rate of 2%." It doesn't fit when talking about an increase in a quantity like 'the number of road accidents'.
• to: The preposition 'to' with 'increase' typically indicates the final value reached after the increase, e.g., "The price increased to $50." It is not used to specify what quantity or thing has increased.
• in: The preposition 'in' is commonly used with 'increase' (both as a noun and a verb) to specify the area, quantity, or thing that has increased. For example: "an increase in sales," "an increase in temperature," "increase in production," "an increase in crime." The phrase "increase in the number of..." is a standard construction.
• with: The preposition 'with' with 'increase' is less common in this context. It might suggest something increases alongside something else or in proportion to it, e.g., "Their confidence increased with practice." It doesn't fit the meaning of an increase in 'the number of road accidents'.

Why 'in' is the Correct Preposition

The sentence describes an increase in 'the number of road accidents'. When we talk about an increase concerning a quantity, amount, or a general area, we use the preposition 'in'.

Consider these examples:

• An increase in profits.
• An increase in the population.
• An increase in demand.

Similarly, when referring to an increase in a count of things, such as 'road accidents', the correct preposition is 'in'. Therefore, "an increase in the number of road accidents" is the grammatically correct and natural-sounding phrase.

Substituting 'in' into the sentence gives: "Last year there was an increase in the number of road accidents on the Eastern Expressway." This sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning clearly.

Revision Table: Common Prepositions with 'Increase'

Additional Information: Understanding English Prepositions

Prepositions are words that link a noun, pronoun, or phrase to other words in a sentence. They typically indicate relationships of location, direction, time, or other abstract relationships. Choosing the correct preposition is crucial for clear and accurate communication in English.

Many verbs, nouns, and adjectives are followed by specific prepositions. These combinations are often fixed phrases that need to be learned. For example:

• depend on
• aware of
• good at
• interested in
• believe in

In the case of 'increase', the preposition 'in' is standard when referring to an increase in a quantity or area, as demonstrated in the question.

Learning these fixed prepositional phrases is a key part of mastering English grammar and language usage. Context is always important in determining the correct preposition.