It was the steepest increase in more than six years.

"By not doing it, we will now have a steep increase of about 30 percent in residential taxes."

Some people thought the steep increase would be the kiss of death for such plans.

There has been a steep increase in the use of the English language over the years.

"But if you look at the last 20 years, there has been a very steep increase."

"We are expecting a steep increase in the number of cases."

The past few years have been witness to a steep increase in such crimes.

Company officials expected an even steeper increase, 12.7 percent, in 2002.

But even with an agreement, steep increases are in store for thousands.

Actually one twenty five to two pounds is quite a steep increase.