a marked escalation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marked escalation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant increase or intensification in a situation, often in contexts such as conflict, tension, or behavior. Example: "The recent events have led to a marked escalation in hostilities between the two nations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Earlier, Hamas militants fired a more powerful rocket from Gaza into Israel, injuring no one but drawing new warnings of retaliation for what Israeli officials consider a marked escalation in the fighting.

The New York Times

But the dead cats were a marked escalation in intimidation.

The Guardian

The response shows a marked escalation in tensions between Kim Jong-un's regime and the West.

Independent

Western diplomats talk of a marked escalation in dogfights between Turkish and Greek pilots over the Aegean.

The Economist

Calling civilians to confront the Indian Army is a marked escalation and a likely invitation to more bloodshed.

The New York Times

Such a step would represent a marked escalation in the Greek government's campaign to retrieve the marbles.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It also marked an escalation in a dispute between House Democrats and the White House over the breadth of executive privilege, signaling a possible court fight.

Los Angeles Times

The exchange marked an escalation of an increasingly hostile battle between Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill over Mr. Bush's judicial nominees.

The New York Times

For many European investors, filing a shareholder resolution marks an escalation of a failed direct engagement, not the beginning of the engagement process.

Harvard University

The statement marked an escalation in rhetoric from his outbursts on the first day of his chaotic trial last Monday.

The Guardian

Monday's fighting, which took place in several Cairo locations including outside the city's university and in the central Ramses Square, marked an escalation in Brotherhood tactics.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a marked escalation" to describe a clear and noticeable increase in intensity, severity, or scope. For example, "There has been a marked escalation in cyberattacks recently."

Common error

Avoid using "a marked escalation" to describe situations that are inherently static or do not involve a process of intensification. It is not appropriate to say, for instance, "The building had a marked escalation in height" if the height hasn't changed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marked escalation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a process or situation undergoing a significant increase in intensity or scale, as evidenced in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a marked escalation" is a useful and grammatically correct way to describe a significant increase or intensification in a situation. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for formal and neutral contexts and is commonly found in news media, scientific publications, and academic writing. While the phrase typically implies a negative development, it can be used in any context where a notable increase is observed. Alternatives such as "a significant increase" or "a notable rise" can be used to provide variety in writing. Remember to use "a marked escalation" only when describing situations that genuinely involve intensification over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant increase

Replaces "marked" with "significant", emphasizing the importance of the increase.

a notable rise

Substitutes "escalation" with "rise" and "marked" with "notable", indicating a visible increase.

a sharp increase

Uses "sharp" instead of "marked", conveying a sudden and substantial rise.

a distinct intensification

Replaces "escalation" with "intensification" and "marked" with "distinct", highlighting a clear strengthening.

a considerable worsening

Emphasizes the negative aspect of the situation's development.

a heightened level

Focuses on achieving a higher degree or stage of something.

a step up

Uses a more informal expression indicating advancement or progress.

a surge

Suggests a sudden and powerful increase or rush.

a quantum leap

Implies a significant and transformative change or advancement.

a turning point

Highlights a critical juncture marking a new phase or direction.

FAQs

How can I use "a marked escalation" in a sentence?

You can use "a marked escalation" to describe a noticeable increase in the intensity or severity of a situation. For example: "The conflict has seen "a marked escalation" in violence recently."

What are some alternatives to "a marked escalation"?

Some alternatives to "a marked escalation" include phrases like "a significant increase", "a notable rise", or "a sharp increase". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always negative when describing "a marked escalation"?

While "a marked escalation" often describes negative situations like conflict or tension, it can also describe positive developments. It simply denotes a significant increase in some measurable aspect. The context dictates the tone.

What's the difference between "a marked escalation" and "a gradual increase"?

"A marked escalation" implies a noticeable and potentially rapid change, whereas "a gradual increase" suggests a slower, more incremental development. The former is more dramatic and immediate.