becoming increasingly bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becoming increasingly bad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is worsening over time. Example: "The weather has been becoming increasingly bad, making it difficult for us to plan outdoor activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Local journalist Hridayesh Joshi told the BBC from Visakhapatnam: "The situation is becoming increasingly bad.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Humanitarian work is becoming increasingly risky.

Unicef

As the movement to end the prohibition on cannabis escalates, and the war on drugs becoming increasingly unpopular, prohibition has became an increasingly bad word.

Vice

Positively changing a set of health risk behaviours, i.e., smoking, high alcohol consumption, bad nutrition and physical inactivity, is becoming increasingly common since these changes are relevant for the primary prevention of cardiovascular related diseases and cancer [ 1, 2].

BMC Public Health

Ms. Reiser, who looks younger than her years, is becoming increasingly unsteady on her feet and has had a number of bad falls.

The New York Times

It is a style that, despite my earlier bad joke about the lack of influential women in British sport, is becoming increasingly, and better-late-than-neverly, common.

BBC

Fishing is becoming increasingly important.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is becoming increasingly difficult.

The Economist

Advertisers are becoming increasingly pushy.

The Economist

LEDs are becoming increasingly affordable.

The Economist

IT'S becoming increasingly difficult.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends, use "becoming increasingly bad" to emphasize a gradual worsening over time. This is more nuanced than simply stating something "is bad".

Common error

While acceptable, "becoming increasingly bad" can sometimes be replaced with more precise or formal language depending on the context. Consider stronger verbs or more specific adjectives to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becoming increasingly bad" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something is changing over time. It emphasizes a continuous decline, as seen in the Ludwig examples where situations or conditions are worsening.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "becoming increasingly bad" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that describes a gradual decline or deterioration. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, particularly news and media. While versatile, more precise language may be preferable in formal or scientific writing. Alternatives such as "deteriorating steadily" or "worsening progressively" can offer similar meanings with slight nuances. When using this phrase, consider the gradual aspect of the decline and whether a more specific description would enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting progressively worse

Directly states the gradual decline in quality or condition.

deteriorating steadily

Focuses on the continuous decline or decay over time.

worsening progressively

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the decline.

going downhill

An idiomatic expression indicating a decline in condition or quality.

declining more and more

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the decline, suggesting it's not stopping.

sliding into disrepair

Emphasizes the gradual degradation and neglect.

experiencing escalating problems

Highlights the growing intensity of difficulties.

gradually declining

Underscores the slowness and steadiness of the deterioration.

turning sour

An idiomatic phrase suggesting a situation is becoming unpleasant or unfavorable.

spiraling downward

Implies a continuous and accelerating decline.

FAQs

How can I use "becoming increasingly bad" in a sentence?

You can use "becoming increasingly bad" to describe a situation that is progressively deteriorating. For example: "The weather is becoming increasingly bad, making travel difficult."

What are some alternatives to "becoming increasingly bad"?

Consider using alternatives like "deteriorating steadily", "worsening progressively", or "going downhill" depending on the desired tone and context.

Is "becoming increasingly bad" formal or informal?

"Becoming increasingly bad" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, more precise language may be preferred.

What makes "becoming increasingly bad" different from "getting worse"?

"Becoming increasingly bad" emphasizes the ongoing process of deterioration, whereas "getting worse" is a more general statement of decline. The former highlights the gradual nature of the change.