become increasingly grim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become increasingly grim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is worsening over time, often in a serious or concerning manner. Example: "As the days passed, the outlook for the project began to become increasingly grim, with no solutions in sight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The other sequels have become increasingly grim and dolorous; it's no fun having to live forever.

The New York Times

The living situation in Hama, Homs and other hard-hit areas, including two suburbs of Damascus, Zabadani and Madaya, has become increasingly grim.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He became increasingly depressed.

The New York Times

Fania became increasingly depressed, withdrawn.

The New Yorker

While one branch of television police dramas, the Bruckheimer- CSI" shows, has grown increasingly grim, another strain has Bruckheimer- CSIgly antic, embracing hapleshowss and mild buffoonery in thascause of detection.

The New York Times - Arts

News will become increasingly "red" or "blue".

The New Yorker

Although the number of major attacks fluctuates year-by-year, the data up until the end of 2014 paints a grim picture of the contemporary security context, indicating that providing humanitarian assistance has indeed become increasingly more dangerous.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

This has become increasingly untenable.

The New York Times

And detergents have also become increasingly concentrated.

The New York Times

Tourism has become increasingly significant in Shenyang.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More likely, colleges will become increasingly stratified.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become increasingly grim" to depict situations where there is a gradual intensification of negativity, hardship, or severity. This phrase is particularly effective when illustrating a decline or deterioration over time.

Common error

Avoid using "become increasingly grim" in situations that are only mildly negative or uncertain. This phrase is best reserved for instances of significant and worsening adversity to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become increasingly grim" functions as a verb phrase that describes a process of gradual deterioration or worsening. As noted by Ludwig, it accurately conveys the intensification of negativity over time. It highlights a shift from bad to worse, adding emphasis to the continuous decline.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become increasingly grim" effectively depicts a gradual deterioration of a situation, as confirmed by Ludwig. Primarily used in news and media contexts, it serves to express concern about ongoing negative developments. While grammatically sound, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English and can be used to illustrate a situation or condition that is worsening over time, often in a serious or concerning manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become increasingly dire

Implies a growing sense of urgency and severity.

turn progressively bleak

Focuses on the increasing lack of hope or optimism.

grow steadily darker

Emphasizes a gradual shift towards a more negative or ominous state.

get steadily worse

A more straightforward way to express the gradual worsening of a situation.

deteriorate more and more

Highlights the continuous decline in quality or condition.

move from bad to worse

Suggests a progression from an already negative state to an even more unfavorable one.

devolve into despair

Suggests a descent into a state of hopelessness and loss of spirit.

decline at an accelerated pace

Highlights a rapid and quick degradation.

descend into darkness

Implies a movement toward negativity or despair.

take a turn for the worse

Indicates a sudden and unfavorable change in circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "become increasingly grim" in a sentence?

You can use "become increasingly grim" to describe a situation that is gradually worsening. For example, "As the days passed, the situation "became increasingly grim" as supplies dwindled."

What are some alternatives to "become increasingly grim"?

Alternatives include phrases like "grow steadily darker", "turn progressively bleak", or "become increasingly dire", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "become increasingly grim"?

No, it is most appropriate when describing a tangible decline or worsening condition. Using it for minor inconveniences might sound overly dramatic. Context is key.

What makes "become increasingly grim" a strong phrase to use?

The phrase effectively conveys both the gradual nature and the severity of a negative transformation. It suggests a situation is not only bad but is actively worsening.