Consider the phenomenal increase in American sophistication in wine and cheese.

During the 1970s there was a phenomenal increase in the number of outsider-dominated boards.

The average cost of a wedding is £25,000 - a phenomenal increase on the 1950s figure of just £600 in today's terms.

"And no matter how you look at it, these phenomenal increases are hindering access to higher education."

Yet the phenomenal increase in their numbers appears to defy all public measures that have been undertaken to stem the tide.

The Pool saw a phenomenal increase in both overseas and coastal trade in the second half of the 18th century.

And the last seven years have seen a phenomenal increase in the number of participants.

"We've been experiencing 15 percent to 20 percent growth all year, and it's just been a phenomenal increase."

There has been a phenomenal increase in the number of homes with personal computers in the last few years.

It is hoped that this phenomenal increase will soon level out.