escalating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "escalating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is increasing in intensity, severity, or magnitude over time. Example: "The escalating tensions between the two countries have raised concerns about potential conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reports suggest an extra 250,000 primary places are needed this year, and with land costs escalating in inner cities and budgets shrinking, fulfilling the need will be difficult, but it is right to say that it should not be done by allowing class sizes to creep upwards.

The Guardian

The US has agreed to a package of military assistance for countries in the Arab Gulf, as escalating tensions with Iran serve as an ominous backdrop to their joint summit at the Camp David presidential retreat outside Washington.

The Guardian

As James Owen wrote in National Geographic: A blanket ban on hunting in tropical forests won't protect animals threatened by Africa's escalating bush-meat crisis, [the report says].

The Guardian - Opinion

"The virus is still moving geographically and escalating in the capitals," he said.

The Guardian

"I am able to educate my children, but tuition fees are fast escalating, so I am not able to save," he says.

The Guardian

This is disheartening: Even with just 10 total patients treated for Ebola in this country and no transmission from a medical aid worker to another person on US soil, politicians are still escalating anxieties and giving the public permission to discriminate, stigmatize and even hate aid workers like me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Drama over the landmark trade negotiations has been escalating for weeks, propelling Obama into a public feud with Democrats – going so far as to accuse opposing members within his party of lying about the fast-track bill.

The Guardian

The European Central Bank surprised markets on Thursday with fresh measures to boost a flagging eurozone economy threatened with deflation and the risks of an escalating conflict in Ukraine.

The Guardian - Business

MT "@hdner: #NATO has plans to defend #Turkey if needed #Rasmussen bit.ly/QQsR6a Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 5.46pm BSTurkey Tureinforcesorces air base Additional fighter jets have been sent to reinforce an air base in south-east Turkey amid escalating tensions with Syria, AP reports citing a Turkish news agency.

The Guardian

Her visit comes on the eve of the mission to Syria by Kofi Annan, the joint UN and Arab League envoy who will also raise international concerns about the escalating bloodshed.

The Guardian

My ex-husband ran in and shouted, 'why are you kicking my wife?'" Luke, who has been a police officer for six years, told the court that the mother's behaviour had been "escalating" and he felt the child was at risk of injury.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing conflicts or tensions, use "escalating" to convey a sense of growing intensity and urgency.

Common error

Avoid using "escalating" in casual conversations where simpler words like "increasing" or "growing" would suffice. The term carries a degree of formality and seriousness best suited for professional or news-related content.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "escalating" is that of a present participle or gerund, often used as an adjective to describe something that is increasing in intensity or severity. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its use in reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "escalating" is a versatile term predominantly used to describe a situation that is increasing in intensity or severity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct, very common in use, and particularly prevalent in news and formal business contexts. While suitable for neutral reporting, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Alternatives like "increasing" or "intensifying" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Increasing

A general term for becoming larger or more numerous.

Growing

Similar to increasing, but can also imply a more organic or natural development.

Intensifying

Implies a heightened degree of something, often an emotion or situation.

Heightening

Indicates an increase in intensity or degree, especially of emotions or sensations.

Worsening

Suggests a decline in quality or condition.

Mounting

Suggests a gradual accumulation or build-up.

Surging

Suggests a sudden and powerful increase.

Climbing

Implies a steady and upward progression.

Amplifying

Means to increase the volume or intensity, often used metaphorically.

Accumulating

Emphasizes the gathering or piling up of something over time.

FAQs

How can I use "escalating" in a sentence?

Use "escalating" to describe situations that are increasing in intensity or severity, such as "The "escalating conflict" between the two nations" or "Escalating costs are a major concern for the project".

What words can I use instead of "escalating"?

Alternatives include "intensifying", "increasing", "worsening", or "growing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "escalating tensions"?

Yes, "escalating tensions" is a common and correct usage. It effectively describes a situation where tensions are increasing.

What's the difference between "escalating" and "increasing"?

"Escalating" often implies a more rapid and serious increase, typically in a negative context like conflict or crisis. While "increasing" is more general and can apply to positive or neutral situations.