escalates

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "escalates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation that is intensifying or increasing in severity or magnitude. Example: "The conflict between the two parties escalates with each passing day, making resolution more difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Denial escalates as we take on more responsibilities in the world".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For the record, British people have been doing this sort of thing naturally and without the aid of technology for centuries – that is, issuing a sidelong response during an awkward encounter, a protocol that escalates, in times of outright conflict, to the tangential screw-you.

The Guardian - Opinion

Having a relationship with someone you already live with escalates everything; you can get close really quickly, but that makes it harder if you then split up.

The Guardian

And that's only the beginning.The gory humour escalates, producing the kind of hysteria that generates much heat but no illumination.

The Economist

The problem is certainly as old as the Zuckerman report in the 1950s, and probably dates back to Samuel Pepys and beyond: the military establishes a requirement for equipment, the estimated cost is agreed by the executive and approved by Treasury and Parliament, and then the cost escalates forcing a choice between paying up and embarrassing cancellation.

The Economist

AS THE number of risky mortgage borrowers being turfed out of their homes escalates, so does the rate of Wall Street chief executives trudging dejectedly out of their corner offices.

The Economist

As the problem escalates, the agency cuts internet access, leaving some officials offline for weeks.2007 Netwarcom: Officials at America's Naval Network Warfare Command (Netwarcom) accuse China of sponsoring hundreds of suspicious hacking incidents each day against military and private-sector computer systems to steal technology, gather intelligence, probe defences and install "sleeper" software.

The Economist

This non-linearity applies to currencies' values, too: the likelihood of a crash escalates as a currency becomes ever dearer.Sharpe thinkingThe fully evolved model performed well compared with its primitive ancestor.

The Economist

Terror and despair loom over Tobruk and Benghazi.As the violence escalates, the outside world no longer has the easy option of simply backing the "reform" of corrupt and oppressive regimes.

The Economist

In his new book*, published last week, the sniping escalates into a solo guerrilla war.Mr Woodhead once infamously estimated that 15,000 of England's teachers were incompetent.

The Economist

As it escalates rapidly, attention is swinging from the victims and survivors of the catastrophic tsunami damage along the coast to the horrifying possibility of yet greater dangers posed by the compromised reactors.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "escalates", ensure that the subject clearly defines what is increasing in intensity (e.g., "violence escalates", "costs escalate").

Common error

Avoid using "escalates" in very informal contexts; opt for more casual alternatives like "ramps up" or "gets worse" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "escalates" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense. As Ludwig AI states, it describes an action of increasing in intensity or severity. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, like conflict, costs, or problems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "escalates" is a versatile verb that describes a process of increasing intensity, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently employed in news and media contexts to depict conflicts, crises, or problems becoming more severe. While generally neutral in register, avoiding its use in very informal settings is recommended, opting instead for alternatives like "gets worse" or "ramps up". Remember to clearly define what is escalating to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intensifies

Uses a different verb to convey a similar increase in intensity.

worsens

Implies a negative increase or deterioration.

heightens

Suggests an increase in emotional or sensory intensity.

intensifies rapidly

Adds emphasis to the speed of escalation.

grows more severe

Rephrases "escalates" with a more descriptive phrase, focusing on severity.

spirals out of control

Implies a loss of control as the situation worsens.

becomes more acute

Suggests a sharper, more critical increase in intensity.

reaches a boiling point

Uses a metaphor to indicate a critical point of escalation.

takes a turn for the worse

Indicates a negative shift and escalation of a situation.

ramps up

An informal way to describe an increase in activity or intensity.

FAQs

How do I use "escalates" in a sentence?

Use "escalates" to describe a situation that is intensifying or increasing in severity. For example, "The conflict between the two nations escalates with each passing day".

What can I say instead of "escalates"?

You can use alternatives like "intensifies", "worsens", or "heightens" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "escalates" or "is escalating"?

Both are correct but used in different contexts. "Escalates" is the third-person singular present tense, while "is escalating" is the present continuous tense, indicating an ongoing process.

What's the difference between "escalates" and "increases"?

"Escalates" often implies a more rapid or dangerous increase, especially in conflict or tension, while "increases" is a more general term for any kind of rise.