The Language of Graphs

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)