an escalating number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an escalating number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the quantity of something is increasing over time, often implying a sense of urgency or concern. Example: "The report highlighted an escalating number of cases of the disease in the region, prompting health officials to take immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It is now almost certain that there will be an escalating number of attacks, Mr. Woodcock said.

The New York Times - Tech

There is an escalating number of attacks by Taliban remnants who are crossing the border into Afghanistan and attacking U.S. troops stationed there.

The New Yorker

But the U.N. has been documenting an escalating number of attacks against U.S. and humanitarian aide workers, and also a huge resurgence in the opium trade.

The New Yorker

Besides delays in decision-making, the company incurred unexpected costs entering its new markets and trying to correct an escalating number of technical problems, Mr. Parker and other former Orbcomm executives said.

The New York Times

Jason Thome, a Dr. Martens spokesman, said that for years the company had been getting an escalating number of requests for nonleather Dr. Martens, but until recently, there was no material sufficiently comfortable and enough like leather to use.

The New York Times - Style

In the last eight months, since a flaming car ploughed into crowds in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, killing five, there has been an escalating number of attacks labeled as terrorist throughout the country.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"SPF 100 is not just an escalating numbers game," she said.

The New York Times

A rapidly escalating number of Pashtun fighters and prisoners had been captured in the dead of the night and spirited away to secret prisons.

Vice

"While there is clearly a need to bring the escalating number of often-spurious claims under control, there are steps that could usefully help – for example, fixed rates of compensation and a proportion of claims payment withheld and paid direct for treatment, such as physiotherapy.

The Guardian - Money

Formed in 2009, NCECAD is comprised of five national organizations sharing a collective concern about the escalating number of child maltreatment deaths across the country.

Huffington Post

In particular, we lack an adequate understanding of how the escalating number of molecular signals and mediators known to act on individual components of the lung are coordinated to form the complex three-dimensional architecture that fully meets functional requirements.

The Lung Development, Aging and the Environment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an escalating number", ensure the context clearly indicates what is increasing and why it matters. For example, "an escalating number of cybersecurity threats" specifies the type of threat and implies a need for heightened security measures.

Common error

Avoid using "an escalating number" purely for sensationalism. Ensure the increase is statistically significant and relevant to the overall message. Overusing such phrases can diminish their impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an escalating number" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a quantity that is increasing. It suggests that the number is not just growing, but doing so at an accelerated rate. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is appropriate for describing trends.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an escalating number" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a quantity that is increasing, often rapidly and with concern. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It's versatile, appearing in news, scientific, and business contexts. While it's important to use it accurately and avoid sensationalizing content, understanding its nuances can help writers effectively communicate growing trends and problems. Related alternatives include "a growing number" and "an increasing number", each with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a growing number

Replaces "escalating" with a more neutral term, focusing on the increase itself.

an increasing number

Similar to "a growing number", emphasizing the ongoing rise.

a rising number

Uses "rising" to suggest an upward trend, similar to escalating.

a surge in numbers

Implies a sudden and significant increase.

a rapid increase

Focuses on the speed of the increase rather than the quantity itself.

a marked rise

Highlights the noticeable nature of the increase.

a steep climb

Suggests a dramatic and rapid increase, often used figuratively.

an upswing in figures

A more formal alternative, suitable for business or academic contexts.

a proliferation of

Indicates a rapid spread or multiplication.

a mushrooming quantity

Suggests a very rapid and uncontrolled growth.

FAQs

What does "an escalating number" mean?

The phrase "an escalating number" refers to a situation where the quantity or frequency of something is increasing over time, often quickly or dramatically.

How can I use "an escalating number" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe increases in various contexts, such as "There has been "a growing number" of complaints about the new policy" or "The city is facing "an increasing number" of traffic accidents".

What are some alternatives to "an escalating number"?

Some alternatives include "a growing number", "an increasing number", "a rising number", or "a surge in numbers", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "an escalating number" or "a growing number"?

Both are correct, but "an escalating number" implies a more rapid or concerning increase than "a growing number", which is a more neutral term. The best choice depends on the specific context and the intended emphasis.