escalated this far

USAGE SUMMARY

"escalated this far" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is usually used when describing a situation that has become more serious or intense than expected. Example: The argument between the two siblings escalated this far because neither of them was willing to back down.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Was it your fault, or your friend's fault that the matter escalated this far?

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The fact that the regime has let its dispute with the ILO escalate this far suggests that it is becoming less susceptible to outside pressure, not more.Most ILO members who are inclined to impose sanctions on Myanmar have already done so.

The Economist

Getting help as early as possible can help prevent mental health issues from escalating that far.

Huffington Post

Maybe the next time a trans girl gets harassed on the D train late at night, someone will say, "That's not right," and stand up to help that person before it escalates into something far, far worse.

Huffington Post

Then the row over Liliane Bettencourt's finances escalated as far as the former French President, Nicolas Sarkozy.

BBC

What started out as a dispute between the heiress to a cosmetics fortune and her family quickly descended into a full-blown row that escalated as far as the former French President, Nicolas Sarkozy.

BBC

"You know, as far as I'm concerned, you can have an adversarial relationship, but we should be de-escalating this stuff".

Huffington Post

"Saudi Arabia would like to see the United States escalate this campaign".

Los Angeles Times

Demonstrations escalated far beyond the capital, especially in the western regions of Ukraine, where protesters seized government buildings and, in some places, set them on fire.

The New Yorker

Insiders like Logan Sama claim that the dispute had escalated far beyond song lyrics, and Crazy had extremely heated lyrical battles with fellow MCs Dizzee Rascal and Bruza that never led to horrific crimes like this.

The Guardian - Music

Supporters of Mr. Utzon said that an unreasonably low construction estimate made it seem as though costs had escalated far more than they had, and that Mr. Utzon had been treated unfairly.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "escalated this far" to emphasize the unexpected or undesirable extent to which a situation has developed. It's most effective when highlighting a turning point or a surprising outcome.

Common error

While "escalated this far" is generally acceptable, be mindful of its potential informality in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more precise or nuanced alternatives like "reached this critical juncture" or "intensified to this significant degree" for enhanced clarity and formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "escalated this far" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the extent or degree to which an action or situation has intensified. As per Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and used to describe a situation that has become more serious than expected.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "escalated this far" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation that has intensified beyond initial expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used to highlight the unexpected or undesirable progression of events. While versatile, it is essential to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, this phrase serves to emphasize the degree to which a situation has advanced, often implying negative consequences or a need for intervention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gone this far

A more concise way of expressing that something has reached a significant or undesirable point.

reached this level

Focuses on the attainment of a particular stage or degree of intensity.

become this serious

Directly addresses the gravity or severity of the situation.

progressed to this extent

Emphasizes the advancement or development of a situation to a certain point.

developed to this stage

Similar to "progressed to this extent" but emphasizes the sequential unfolding of events.

advanced to this state

Similar to 'progressed', but with a focus on reaching a current condition.

intensified to this degree

Highlights the increasing intensity of a situation.

come to this

A more informal way of expressing disappointment or dismay that a situation has deteriorated.

grown to this magnitude

Highlights the scale or size that a problem or situation has attained.

worsened to this point

Specifically indicates a negative progression, suggesting a decline in quality or condition.

FAQs

What does "escalated this far" mean?

The phrase "escalated this far" indicates that a situation has become more serious, intense, or advanced than initially expected or desired. It implies a significant and often undesirable progression.

How can I use "escalated this far" in a sentence?

You might say, "The conflict between the two departments "escalated this far" that mediation became necessary," showing the unexpected seriousness of the dispute.

Are there alternatives to "escalated this far"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "progressed to this extent", "reached this level", or "gone this far" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "escalated this far" formal or informal?

"Escalated this far" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It's suitable for most contexts but may need a more formal substitute like "intensified to this degree" in highly formal writing.