escalates the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "escalates the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation that is being intensified or made more serious, often in a conflict or discussion context. Example: "If we don't address the issue promptly, it will only escalate the matter further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That whole "state-sponsored" bit escalates the matter to warning-worthy.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There were three more calls in March, and several promises to "escalate" the matter.

The New York Times

When this file was rejected, teams did not escalate the matter with due speed".

Independent

His lawyer, George J. Terwilliger III, took issue with the decision by the department to "escalate the matter" by continuing the investigation.

The New York Times

If the complaint cannot be conciliated or is otherwise terminated, Dinnison may be able apply to escalate the matter to the federal circuit court.

The Guardian

"But if the government is lying by using false documents then we will escalate the matter with a peaceful sit-in".

The Guardian

Because of the safety concerns, Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority approved the new models for sale with the current refrigerant, a position that escalated the matter from a disagreement over technology to a political dispute.

The New York Times

Direct them to possible sources of advice and support (both in school and externally), contact parents/carers if appropriate and escalate the matter to your school's safeguarding officer if you have serious concerns.

The Guardian

As The BBC reports, Mr. Whittingdale did escalate the matter after the Murdochs wrote to say they were too busy to attend the hearing next week, by asking the serjeant-at-arms of the House of Commons to deliver a formal summons to the two News Corporation executives at the London headquarters of their British newspaper division in Wapping.

The New York Times

Yet it is a blunt instrument and may escalate the matter that required a block in the first place.Twitter provoked a brief firestorm in December when it unilaterally and abruptly changed block behaviour to allow blocked users to follow and see tweets from public accounts, although those accounts wouldn't see the blocked parties.

The Economist

Telegram representatives even want to escalate the matter to the European Court for Human Rights.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "escalates the matter", ensure that the context clearly indicates an increase in severity or intensity of a situation. Avoid using it for situations that simply change without necessarily becoming more serious.

Common error

Avoid using "escalates the matter" when the situation is not actually intensifying. If a situation changes but does not become more severe, consider using phrases like "alters the situation" or "modifies the circumstances" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "escalates the matter" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe how a situation or issue becomes more severe or intensified. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The example provided shows its use in a warning context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "escalates the matter" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe how a situation becomes more serious. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for written English. While relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "aggravates the situation" and "worsens the problem". When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates an increase in severity; otherwise, consider alternative expressions to accurately reflect the situation's dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aggravates the situation

Focuses on making the situation worse rather than simply intensifying it.

worsens the problem

Highlights the negative impact on the problem, making it more severe.

inflames the issue

Suggests a more passionate or heated increase in intensity.

intensifies the conflict

Specifically refers to increasing the level of conflict or disagreement.

heightens the tension

Emphasizes the increase in stress or strain within the situation.

exacerbates the circumstances

Highlights making the existing circumstances worse.

fuels the crisis

Implies adding to an already critical or unstable situation.

compounds the difficulty

Focuses on adding additional layers of complexity or challenge.

magnifies the effect

Emphasizes the amplification of the results or consequences.

takes the matter to the next level

This alternative suggests a progression to a new phase or stage in the matter.

FAQs

How can I use "escalates the matter" in a sentence?

You can use "escalates the matter" to describe a situation that is becoming more serious or intense. For example, "Ignoring the problem will only "aggravate the situation" and escalates the matter further".

What's a good alternative to "escalates the matter"?

Alternatives include "worsens the problem", "intensifies the conflict", or "aggravates the situation", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "escalates the matter" or "escalates the situation"?

Both "escalates the matter" and "escalates the situation" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific context and whether you want to emphasize the issue at hand ("matter") or the overall circumstances ("situation").

What does it mean when someone says a situation "escalates"?

When a situation "escalates", it means that it is becoming more serious, intense, or dangerous. This can involve an increase in conflict, tension, or negative consequences.