an escalating problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an escalating problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or issue that is becoming increasingly serious or severe over time. Example: "The lack of communication between departments has led to an escalating problem that needs immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The most recent data signal an escalating problem with buprenorphine.

The New York Times - Health

Antimicrobial resistance, an escalating problem worldwide, affects a broad range of human diseases.

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents

"I offered some suggestions as to how we can deal with what is an escalating problem," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Domestic violence can move beyond a personal concern to an escalating problem for the wider family, the community and the workplace.

Harvard University

The bacterial RecA protein has been implicated in the evolution of antibiotic resistance in pathogens, which is an escalating problem worldwide.

Analytical Biochemistry

The debate surrounding the 'grand bargain' of the European Financial Stability Fund continues to be coloured by division, leaving doubts about the effectiveness of support for peripheral bond markets". Inflation in the eurozone is seen as an escalating problem, especially as it might force the ECB to raise interest rates.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Last August the Metropolitan police asked victims of dating fraud to come forward to help tackle a rapidly escalating problem which has seen users defrauded of tens of thousands of pounds.

The Guardian - Money

And just like everyone else around this dais, my state is getting inundated with them". Members of the committee have drafted a bill that would attempt to curb what everyone agrees is a dramatically escalating problem.

Forbes

Essential hypertension (EH) is a worldwide escalating problem.

Plosone

Repeated failures by local authorities to safeguard children from extremism is an "urgent and escalating problem", the head of Ofsted has told the government, in a scathing report that calls for close monitoring of areas where children are most at risk of radicalisation.

The Guardian

Unconscious incompetence is a pervasive and escalating problem, especially in fast-paced industries where knowledge and skills need constant updating.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an escalating problem", provide context to explain what is escalating and why. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an escalating problem" as a vague descriptor. Always specify the nature of the problem and the factors contributing to its escalation to maintain credibility and inform your audience effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an escalating problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "escalating" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "problem". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing worsening situations, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an escalating problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a situation that is becoming increasingly severe. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific details about the nature of the problem and the factors contributing to its escalation. While the phrase is common, avoid vagueness to ensure clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "a growing concern" or "a worsening issue" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a growing concern

Focuses on the increasing worry or anxiety associated with a situation.

a worsening issue

Highlights the deterioration or decline of a particular matter.

a mounting crisis

Emphasizes the accumulation of problems leading to a critical point.

an increasing challenge

Points to the growing difficulty in dealing with a situation.

a developing threat

Underscores the emergence and intensification of a potential danger.

a burgeoning difficulty

Highlights the rapid growth and expansion of a problem.

a rapidly spreading issue

Focuses on the quick dissemination and expansion of a problem's impact.

a spiraling dilemma

Implies a situation that is quickly getting out of control.

a snowballing effect

Describes a situation where the consequences increase exponentially.

an intensifying predicament

Highlights the increasing severity and complexity of a difficult situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "an escalating problem" to describe a situation that is becoming more serious or severe over time. For example, "The company is facing an escalating problem with customer complaints."

What are some alternatives to saying "an escalating problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a growing concern", "a worsening issue", or "a mounting crisis" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a escalating problem" instead of "an escalating problem"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct article to use before "escalating" is "an" because "escalating" begins with a vowel sound.

How does "an escalating problem" differ from "a persistent problem"?

"An escalating problem" suggests that the problem is not only ongoing but also increasing in severity, while "a persistent problem" simply indicates that the problem continues to exist without necessarily worsening.