continue to escalate

USAGE SUMMARY

"continue to escalate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to talk about a situation becoming more serious, complicated, or intense over time. For example, "The conflict between the two countries continued to escalate, eventually leading to war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These costs continue to escalate as continued applications of existing technology are unlikely to markedly reduce disparities.

BMC Oral Health

That potential will continue to escalate with current and continued human encroachment into risk areas.

Advances in Geophysics

The salaries continue to escalate".

The New York Times - Sports

The costs continue to escalate.

The New York Times

Salaries and offense will continue to escalate.

The New York Times - Sports

"Each side is going to continue to escalate.

The New York Times

Without radical political change, inequality will continue to escalate.

The Guardian

"On college campuses, the self-pride in those programs will continue to escalate".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. bin Laden vowed to "continue to escalate the killing and fighting" in Iraq.

The New York Times

If not, the unions will continue to escalate their public campaign to win a good contract".

The New York Times

The shouting and jeering continue to escalate until the sound of police whistles pierce the darkness.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continue to escalate" when you want to emphasize the ongoing and increasing nature of a situation, especially when it involves conflict, costs, or intensity. For example, "The conflict between the two factions will "continue to escalate" if no diplomatic solution is found."

Common error

Avoid using "continue to escalate" when the situation is improving or decreasing in intensity. "Escalate" inherently implies an increase in severity, so using it in a positive context is incorrect. For instance, saying "The peace talks continued to escalate towards a resolution" is a misuse of the term. Instead, say "The peace talks "progressed towards" a resolution."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to escalate" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ongoing intensification of a situation or process. Ludwig examples show it applied to various contexts such as conflict, costs, and tensions, reflecting its widespread use. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to escalate" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the increasing intensity or severity of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts, indicating its relevance in both general and specialized discourse. While the phrase is appropriate for formal writing, it should be used with care to ensure it accurately reflects the context. Alternatives like "continue to intensify" or "steadily worsen" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that "escalate" inherently implies a negative increase, so avoid using it in positive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to intensify

Replaces "escalate" with a synonym that emphasizes the growing strength or severity of something.

become more severe

Emphasizes the increasing intensity or gravity of a situation.

steadily worsen

Focuses on the negative progression of a situation, implying a gradual decline.

gradually worsen

Emphasizes the slow and incremental deterioration of a situation.

progressively increase

Highlights the incremental growth in magnitude or intensity.

increase steadily

Focuses on the consistent upward trend or intensification of a situation.

persistently worsen

Highlights the continuous and unchanging negative development of something.

keep rising

A more general term indicating a continuous upward trend in a measurable quantity or intensity.

keep growing

Implies continuous expansion or development, which can be in a negative or positive direction, depending on the context.

gather momentum

Suggests an increase in force or speed, often used for abstract processes or trends.

FAQs

How can I use "continue to escalate" in a sentence?

Use "continue to escalate" to describe a situation that is becoming increasingly intense or serious over time. For example, "Tensions between the two countries "continue to escalate" due to ongoing border disputes."

What are some alternatives to "continue to escalate"?

Alternatives include "continue to intensify", "steadily worsen", or "progressively increase", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "continue to escalate" in formal writing?

Yes, "continue to escalate" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious or worsening situations. However, ensure the context warrants the use of such strong language.

What's the difference between "continue to escalate" and "increase gradually"?

"Continue to escalate" implies a more rapid and potentially dangerous increase in intensity or severity, whereas "increase gradually" suggests a slower, more controlled rise. The choice depends on the specific nuances you wish to convey.