a sharp escalation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp escalation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and significant increase in intensity, severity, or magnitude of a situation or event. Example: "The region experienced a sharp escalation in violence, leading to widespread concern among the local population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After months of scattered demonstrations, the large turnout marked a sharp escalation of the mobilization.

The Washington Post

His letter represents a sharp escalation in the row between Miliband and the Mail group.

The Guardian

Recent months have seen a sharp escalation of high-profile, illegal weapons trials.

The Guardian

But Friday's violence south of Phnom Penh, the capital, was a sharp escalation in the unrest.

The New York Times

Parallel to this technological change there has been a sharp escalation in costs regarding the new generations of jet fighter aircraft.

Research Policy

Suicide rates among middle-aged men and women in the U.S. have been increasing since 1999, with a sharp escalation since 2007.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine

The largest metropolitan áreas in Latin-America are witnessing a sharp escalation of urban violence and the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City is not the exception.

Investigaciones Geográficas, Boletín del Instituto de Geografía

By evening, Israel had issued a stern warning that it was examining all possible responses, signaling the potential for a sharp escalation in the area.

The New York Times

It was a sharp escalation in an already worsening trend.Another bad omen was the resignation of Mohamed ElBaradei, Egypt's acting vice-president.

The Economist

It was the fourth of day of drone attacks this month, a sharp escalation over the strike rate late last year.

The New York Times

Its imposition was seen as a sharp escalation of China's dispute with Japan over islets that Japan calls the Senkakus and China the Diaoyus.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sharp escalation", ensure the context clearly indicates what is escalating. For example, specify "a sharp escalation in violence" or "a sharp escalation in costs" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp escalation" as a generic descriptor for any increase. Reserve it for situations where the increase is both sudden and significantly impactful. Otherwise, consider alternatives like "increase" or "rise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp escalation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It describes an event or situation characterized by a rapid and significant increase in intensity, severity, or scope, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp escalation" is a noun phrase used to describe a sudden and significant increase in the intensity or severity of a situation. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is versatile, ensure the context clearly defines what is escalating to avoid ambiguity. Also, while common, reserve it for describing truly impactful increases, and avoid overuse in generic descriptions. Consider alternatives such as "a sudden surge" or "a rapid intensification" for nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rapid intensification

Focuses on the process of becoming more intense or severe quickly.

an amplified intensity

Highlights the increased power or strength of something.

a sudden surge

Emphasizes the abruptness and intensity of the increase.

a steep rise

Uses a visual metaphor to describe the rapid upward trajectory.

a marked increase

Highlights the noticeable and significant nature of the rise.

a pronounced jump

Emphasizes the clear and unmistakable nature of the increase.

a dramatic upswing

Implies a significant and often unexpected positive change, though can be used ironically in negative contexts.

a heightened degree

More formal, focusing on the elevated level or extent.

a quantum leap

Suggests a fundamental and significant advancement or increase.

a critical turn

Implies a crucial change in direction or intensity.

FAQs

How to use "a sharp escalation" in a sentence?

You can use "a sharp escalation" to describe a sudden and significant increase in the intensity, severity, or magnitude of a situation. For example: "The conflict experienced "a sharp escalation" after the bombing".

What can I say instead of "a sharp escalation"?

You can use alternatives like "a sudden surge", "a rapid intensification", or "a marked increase" depending on the specific context.

Is "a sharp escalation" formal or informal?

"A sharp escalation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, commonly found in news reports, academic papers, and general discussions. It is a neutral and widely understood phrase.

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

"A sharp escalation" implies a sudden and significant increase, whereas "a gradual increase" suggests a slow and progressive rise over time. The choice depends on the actual pattern of increase being described.