an escalation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an escalation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increase or intensification of a situation, issue, or conflict. Example: "The recent events have led to an escalation of tensions between the two countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It's an escalation of a deplorable practice".

The New York Times

Second, water cannons are not about an escalation of force.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The authorities have initiated an escalation of the conflict".

The Guardian

The threat of an escalation of violence and disorder remains.

The Guardian

The year began badly with an escalation of moralistic rhetoric.

The Guardian - Books

Each attempt has only brought an escalation of the fighting.

The New York Times

Its reaction was described as "an escalation of force".

The New York Times

"One big warning sign of fiscal problems is an escalation of debt and cash-flow borrowing".

The New York Times

The government's response to the drought has so far averted an escalation of the crisis.

The Guardian

But an escalation of the present military strategy will only make the situation worse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the 2008 listing – intended to help protect the site – led to an escalation of tensions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an escalation of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is intensifying. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an escalation of" without specifying what is escalating. For example, instead of saying "There was an escalation", specify "There was an escalation of violence" to provide a clearer picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an escalation of" typically functions as a noun phrase modifier. It introduces the idea that something is increasing in intensity, severity, or extent. As shown by Ludwig, it is frequently used to describe negative situations like conflicts, violence, or costs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an escalation of" is a common phrase used to describe an increase or intensification, predominantly in contexts related to news and current affairs. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is intensifying to avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "an increase in" or "a rise in" exist, "an escalation of" often implies a more serious or critical development. The register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intensification of

Highlights the deepening or strengthening of something.

an increase in

Replaces "escalation" with a more general term for rising levels.

an exacerbation of

Focuses on the worsening of a negative situation.

a surge in

Suggests a sudden and significant rise.

a rise in

Similar to "an increase in", but can imply a more gradual change.

a heightening of

Emphasizes the elevation or amplification of a state or condition.

an upswing in

Implies a positive trend or increase.

an expansion of

Focuses on growth or broadening in scope.

a step up in

Suggests advancement or progression to a higher level.

a snowballing of

Implies a situation is rapidly increasing and becoming more serious.

FAQs

How can I use "an escalation of" in a sentence?

You can use "an escalation of" to describe an increase or intensification in something. For example, "The conflict led to "an escalation of violence"" or "There was "an escalation of costs" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "an escalation of"?

Alternatives to "an escalation of" include "an increase in", "a rise in", or "an intensification of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a escalation of" instead of "an escalation of"?

No, it is not correct. Because "escalation" begins with a vowel sound, it requires the indefinite article "an". Using "a" is grammatically incorrect.

How does "an escalation of" differ from "a surge in"?

"An escalation of" generally implies a gradual or progressive increase, while "a surge in" suggests a sudden, rapid increase. The choice depends on the nature of the increase you're describing.