being stepped up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being stepped up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where an action or process is being increased or intensified, often referring to efforts or measures being enhanced. Example: "The security measures are being stepped up in response to recent events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Preparations are being stepped up following the Conservatives' election victory.

Independent

He said security was being stepped up dramatically.

The Guardian

Security is also being stepped up in Kenya and Uganda.

The Guardian

And police efforts are being stepped up as well.

The New York Times

International efforts are being stepped up as the scientific outlook becomes increasingly pessimistic.

The Economist

And there is good reason why this civil rights struggle is being stepped up now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Security is also being stepped up on the private aircraft, said Joel Russell, the airport manager.

The New York Times

Security checkpoints and patrols are being stepped up as a result.

The Guardian

The demands imposed on the material properties are constantly being stepped up to withstand the impact of an active lifestyle and ensure lifelong integration.

Additive Manufacturing

In fact, US, British and Gulf support is being stepped up right now because of regime advances on the field.

The Guardian - Opinion

Production of antibiotics is being stepped up, both in America and in Germany, where the main drug for treating anthrax is currently manufactured.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being stepped up" when you want to convey that efforts, measures, or activities are increasing in intensity or scale. It often implies a response to a specific need or situation.

Common error

While "being stepped up" is widely accepted, avoid using it excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "increasing" or "boosting" might be more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being stepped up" functions as part of a passive verb construction, indicating that an action is being performed on a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being stepped up" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates an increase in the intensity or scale of efforts or measures. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English. It is frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it should be used thoughtfully in informal settings where simpler alternatives may suffice. Consider options such as "being increased" or "being enhanced" to convey similar meanings with slight nuances. The prevalence of the phrase in authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC underscores its reliability and acceptance in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being increased

Emphasizes a rise in quantity or intensity.

being enhanced

Focuses on improving the quality or effectiveness of something.

being intensified

Highlights a heightened level of activity or force.

being amplified

Implies an increase in magnitude or effect.

being escalated

Suggests a rise in the scale or severity of a situation.

being boosted

Indicates a strengthening or support to an effort.

being augmented

Implies something is being added to in order to improve it.

being reinforced

Highlights that something is strengthened or supported, physically or mentally.

being accelerated

Focuses on increasing the speed of progression or advancement.

being expanded

Emphasizes on the scope or range of something.

FAQs

How can I use "being stepped up" in a sentence?

You can use "being stepped up" to indicate that measures, efforts, or activities are increasing in intensity or scale. For example, "Security measures are "being stepped up" ahead of the conference".

What are some alternatives to "being stepped up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "being increased", "being enhanced", or "being intensified".

Is it appropriate to use "being stepped up" in formal writing?

Yes, "being stepped up" is suitable for formal writing. It appears frequently in news reports, academic papers, and business documents, indicating its acceptability in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "being stepped up" and "being increased"?

While both phrases indicate a rise in quantity or intensity, "being stepped up" often implies a more deliberate and strategic increase in efforts or measures, while "being increased" is more general.