There was a gradual decline in sales. Sales declined gradually | (noun usage) (verb usage) |
Enrollment increased by 4% in 1997.
There was a 4% increase in enrollment in 1997.
Immigration rose to 800,000 in 1999. Immigration rose by 20,000 in 1999. | (to a point/number) (by increment) |
There was a 20% rise in immigration. (percentage)
Taxes remained the same from 2000 to 2001.
Taxes continued at 15% for two years.