about to intensify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to intensify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is on the verge of becoming stronger or more severe, often in contexts related to weather, emotions, or situations. Example: "The storm is about to intensify, so we should take cover immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The race is about to intensify.

The New Yorker

Watching from afar, Hinault said Astana must be fraught with tension, which may be about to intensify.

The New York Times - Sports

There is no sign of co-operation yet but they would be natural allies.Farther north, the long-running war in Sudan seems to be about to intensify.

The Economist

The former Massachusetts governor, meanwhile, acknowledged that the attacks against him from all sides, including from Democrats, were about to intensify.

Independent

With negotiations effectively ended and legal proceedings about to intensify, a season that has already had six weeks of games canceled may never take place.

The New York Times - Sports

Generally, though, Lennon would have been content with Celtic's opening to the game amid a typically rousing atmosphere; Victor Wanyama was about to intensify that.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It is important to determine if decisions about whether to intensify antiglycemic medications contribute to the previously documented tendency for patients with MHC to have disproportionately poor glycemic control [ 9, 16].

BMC Health Services Research

"On the one hand it complicates the situation for Kerry, on the other hand it says something about the need to intensify American efforts," said Ghassan Khatib, vice president of Birzeit University in the West Bank and a former Palestinian Authority spokesman.

The New York Times

Efforts must therefore be made to better understand the factors that govern organismal distribution, especially for countries where traditional management is about to be intensified such as in Romania.

Biological Conservation

As CIRM or its backers start thinking about a new appeal to voters, you can expect the drumbeat of hype about "spectacular" new findings to intensify.

Los Angeles Times

That was when talks between McKay and Gruden began to intensify about removing Johnson from the active roster.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to intensify" to create a sense of anticipation or impending change in your writing. It effectively conveys that a situation is on the brink of becoming more serious, exciting, or challenging.

Common error

Avoid using "about to intensify" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "Concerns were about to be intensified by the report", a more direct and impactful phrasing would be "The report was about to intensify concerns".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to intensify" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action that is imminent and increasing in strength or degree. Ludwig AI confirms that it correctly points to something that is nearing a higher state of activity or emotion. It sets the stage for what follows.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about to intensify" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an upcoming increase in the strength or severity of something. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While not extremely frequent, it is a reliable way to create anticipation in your writing. To avoid monotony, consider using alternatives such as "on the verge of escalating" or "set to increase in intensity". Just ensure that the alternative fits the specific context of your writing to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of escalating

This phrase suggests that a situation is at a critical point and is likely to become more serious or intense very soon.

set to increase in intensity

This alternative is more formal and indicates a planned or expected rise in intensity.

poised to escalate

This suggests readiness and potential for rapid intensification.

on the cusp of heightening

This phrase indicates that something is very close to becoming more heightened or pronounced.

likely to worsen

Focuses specifically on a negative intensification or deterioration.

expected to amplify

Suggests a significant increase in volume or magnitude.

threatening to surge

Indicates a potential for a sudden and powerful increase.

on the brink of magnification

Suggests something is right before becoming larger and more noticeable.

ready to explode

Implies an imminent, dramatic, and often negative intensification.

building up to a climax

Suggests a gradual increase in intensity towards a peak.

FAQs

What does "about to intensify" mean?

The phrase "about to intensify" means that something is on the verge of becoming stronger, more severe, or more pronounced. It suggests that a change in intensity is imminent.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "about to intensify"?

It is appropriate to use "about to intensify" when you want to convey that a situation, feeling, or condition is likely to increase in strength or severity in the near future. It is commonly used in news, reports, and narrative writing.

What are some alternatives to "about to intensify"?

Some alternatives to "about to intensify" include "on the verge of escalating", "set to increase in intensity", or "poised to escalate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "about to intensify" formal or informal?

"About to intensify" is generally considered neutral in terms of formality and can be used in a variety of contexts, including news reports, academic papers, and general conversation. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly formal writing.