escalate dramatically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "escalate dramatically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that increases in intensity or severity in a significant way. Example: "The conflict between the two countries began to escalate dramatically after the recent border incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"This new modelling shows that emissions in Queensland, if we do nothing new, will escalate dramatically," Miles said.

The Guardian

In the pro ranks, the demands escalate dramatically to a 34-game season, plus US Open Cup games, friendlies, training every day, and, in a few cases, internationals.

The Guardian - Sport

But they also worry that the scale of the problem could escalate dramatically given the parlous conditions of Bosnia's economy and society.

The Guardian

Many have been unaware that the ground rent on new-build leasehold properties they have bought can escalate dramatically in future years following the introduction of new clauses in which it doubles every decade.

The Guardian - Money

"We think that policy-wise in the United States of America — and certainly in the rest of the world — as we see the price of oil and petroleum escalate dramatically beyond anyone's imagination, that one of the ways to deal with that is to produce biofuels which are renewables, better for the environment and help lower that cost," he said.

The New York Times

By the middle of the 19th century, though the Consumer Price Index had fallen (and the price of a loaf had remained the same, still about fivepence halfpenny), the cost of a Folio had gone on rising, to 5000 loaves, and when the Consumer Price Index started to escalate dramatically around 1950 this particular corner of the antiquarian book trade was more than ready to outstrip it entirely.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

And in summer, that total escalates dramatically.

The New York Times

"The needs have escalated dramatically," she said.

The New York Times

"Since then, building costs and energy costs have escalated dramatically".

The New York Times

This week, the situation on the Korean Peninsula escalated dramatically.

The Washington Post

Since last summer, Pruitt's housing costs have escalated dramatically.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "escalate dramatically" to convey a sense of urgency or crisis, highlighting that a situation is not just increasing but doing so at a noticeably alarming rate. Consider the audience and context to ensure the phrase's impact is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "escalate dramatically" when a simpler term like "increase" or "grow" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound overly sensational or melodramatic. Reserve it for situations where the increase is genuinely significant and concerning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "escalate dramatically" functions as a verb phrase and adverb combination, modifying a verb to indicate a significant and rapid increase in intensity, severity, or scope. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "escalate dramatically" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that effectively communicates a rapid and significant increase in intensity or severity. Ludwig AI validates its usage, highlighting its suitability for various contexts. While relatively uncommon, it is most frequently found in news and media, science, and business sources. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse, ensuring its impact remains appropriate. Alternatives like "increase significantly" or "rise sharply" may be more suitable in less critical situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intensify rapidly

Replaces "escalate" with "intensify", emphasizing increased strength or severity, and "dramatically" with "rapidly", highlighting speed.

increase significantly

Replaces "escalate" with a more general term for increase and "dramatically" with "significantly", reducing the sense of urgency or crisis.

rise sharply

Substitutes "escalate" with "rise", focusing on upward movement, and "dramatically" with "sharply", indicating a sudden and steep increase.

surge unexpectedly

Replaces "escalate" with "surge", suggesting a sudden and powerful increase, and "dramatically" with "unexpectedly", adding a sense of surprise.

skyrocket suddenly

Uses a more visual and forceful metaphor to describe the increase, implying a very rapid and high rise.

expand exponentially

Implies a mathematical rate of increase, suggesting a very rapid and accelerating growth.

accelerate precipitously

Emphasizes the rate of acceleration and the sudden, almost uncontrolled, nature of the increase.

amplify greatly

Focuses on the increasing magnitude or impact, rather than just the size or quantity.

balloon rapidly

Similar to "mushroom swiftly", this option uses a visual metaphor implying a quick and substantial increase.

mushroom swiftly

Uses a biological metaphor to suggest a rapid and widespread growth.

FAQs

How can I use "escalate dramatically" in a sentence?

You can use "escalate dramatically" to describe situations where a rapid and significant increase occurs. For example: "The conflict between the two factions began to "escalate dramatically" after the peace talks failed."

What are some alternatives to "escalate dramatically"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "increase significantly", "rise sharply", or "intensify rapidly" instead of "escalate dramatically".

Is it more appropriate to say "escalate quickly" or "escalate dramatically"?

"Escalate quickly" focuses on the speed of the increase, while "escalate dramatically" emphasizes the magnitude and impact of the change. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

What does it mean when someone says a situation is "escalating dramatically"?

It means the situation is rapidly becoming more intense, serious, or dangerous. The use of "dramatically" implies a noticeable and concerning change.