Line Graphs: Vocabulary

Introductory verbs for describing graphs:

“indicates” for suggesting a trend or result, e.g., The graph indicates growth in the service sector.
“shows” for presenting evidence, e.g., This graph shows performance over a decade.
“compares” for analyzing differences, e.g., The graph compares yearly changes in rainfall across cities.
“provides/gives information” for stating what data is presented, e.g., Information is provided on productivity growth.
“provides data” for specifying details, e.g., This graph provides data on three key trends: …, …, and …

Describing Trends

For upward trends:

“rise” (verb): Production costs rose to their peak in July.
“rise” (noun): There was a noticeable rise in production costs in July.
“go up” (phrasal verb): From 1900 to 2000, the population went up significantly.
“grow” (verb): The number of new users grew exponentially in 2015.
“growth” (noun): A rapid growth in the user base was observed in 2015.
“increase” (verb): The cyclist count increased from 2005 to 2010.
“increase” (noun): There was a marked increase in cyclists during the same period.

For downward trends:

“decline” (verb): The construction of new homes declined over a decade.
“decline” (noun): A decade-long decline in new home construction was recorded.
“go down” (phrasal verb): After a spike, the import numbers went down once more.
“decrease” (verb): There was a decrease in average test scores at the schools.
“decrease” (noun): Test score decreases were noted in three schools.
“drop” (verb): Foreign investment dropped by more than 20% in 2008.
“drop” (noun): A 20% drop in foreign investment occurred in 2008.
“fall” (verb): The count of international students fell in 2013.
“fall” (noun): A fall in the number of international students was seen in 2013.

For stability:

“stay the same” (phrase): The company’s market share remained unchanged.
“remain constant” (phrase): The percentage held steady for three months.

For variability:

“fluctuate” (verb): The employment of seasonal workers fluctuates yearly.
“fluctuation” (noun): Fluctuations in seasonal worker employment were evident.
“go up and down” (phrasal verb): Ticket prices have fluctuated in recent months.

Describing Projections

When discussing future trends or predictions in line graphs, it’s important to use language that clearly conveys the speculative nature of these projections. Here are some structures you can use:

“might + infinitive”: It’s possible that the cost of doing business in Country B might rise next year.
“may + infinitive”: There is a chance that government revenues may go down in the next quarter.
“will + probably + infinitive”: The data suggests that the number of websites will probably double over the coming years.
“is + probably going to + infinitive”: There is a likely increase in the number of television dramas this autumn.
“noun + is predicted”: An increase in tourism is predicted.
“is predicted + to + infinitive”: The tourist numbers are predicted to rise.
“noun + is expected”: A decline in the average age is expected.
“is expected + to + infinitive”: The average age is expected to decrease.
“It is expected that + clause”: It is anticipated that the average age will decrease.

Adverbs and Adjectives for Describing Trends

For trends that occur quickly, use the following adverbs and adjectives:

“rapidly” (adv.): Smartphone usage has increased rapidly in the past decade.
“rapid” (adj.): A rapid growth in the use of smartphones was noted over the past decade.
“suddenly” (adv.): Employment figures dropped suddenly in the last ten years.
“sudden” (adj.): The last decade experienced a sudden decrease in job numbers.
“sharply” (adv.): Textbook prices rose sharply last year.
“sharp” (adj.): A sharp increase in the cost of textbooks was observed recently.
“dramatically” (adv.): Exports experienced a dramatic decline last year.
“dramatic” (adj.): Last year marked a dramatic fall in export levels.
“significantly” (adv.): Property taxes rose significantly in 2014.
“significant” (adj.): 2014 saw a significant rise in property taxes.
“steeply” (adv.): Attendance at the event increased steeply in 2013.
“steep” (adj.): The year 2013 was notable for a steep increase in event attendees.
“major” (adj.): A major expansion of the marketing department is expected in the coming years.

For slower trends, consider these adverbs and adjectives:

“steadily” (adv.): The number of tourists visiting the park increased steadily.
“steady” (adj.): A steady rise in tourist numbers was observed at the park.
“gradually” (adv.): The province’s population has been declining gradually.
“gradual” (adj.): There was a gradual reduction in the province’s population.
“slightly” (adv.): Bus fares might increase slightly next year.
“slight” (adj.): A slight rise in bus fares is anticipated.
“minor” (adj.): Minor fluctuations in raw material prices were noted.