escalating pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "escalating pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or trend that is increasing in intensity, frequency, or severity over time. Example: "The escalating pattern of violence in the region has raised concerns among local authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

They noted that the attack on the US consulate was "preceded by an escalating pattern of attacks this year in Benghazi".

The Guardian

The federal authorities say it was the largest theft in an escalating pattern of thefts of prescription drugs from warehouses and trucks around the country.

The New York Times

Continuous monitoring revealed an escalating pattern of pollution: in one unspecified area, researchers reported, cadmium levels higher than 0.4 mg per kg of soil were found only in relatively isolated patches in the land surrounding industrial development.

The Guardian

With these three murders bringing the total of authors who have been attacked in Bangladesh since 2013 to six, the writers say they are "gravely concerned by this escalating pattern of violence against writers and journalists who are peacefully expressing their views".

The Guardian - Books

Ford was mayor of Toronto from 2010 to 2014, a tumultuous term of office which bounced between scandal and controversy, going beyond the usual political infighting of a city government, with an escalating pattern of offensive speech, erratic behaviour and public intoxication, and accusations of serious crimes including domestic violence, blackmail and assault.

The Guardian

However, "in recent years, and particularly in the aftermath of the unprecedented financial and critical success of the films, defendants have, with increasing boldness, engaged in a continuing and escalating pattern of usurping rights to which they are not entitled — rights which belong exclusively to plaintiffs," claims the suit.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Goals of reduced consumption can be beneficial in arresting escalating patterns of drinking (Ambrogne, 2002) and attract and retain individuals who are ambivalent or who would otherwise not seek or participate in therapy (Heather, 2006; Sinclair et al., 2014).

Alcohol and Alcoholism

Research into these processes is escalating and deficient pattern separation is being implicated in a wide array of genetic disorders as well as in neurocognitive aging.

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

But taken together, those episodes form a pattern of escalating maritime and air tensions in the Pacific that have frustrated and worried American officials.

The New York Times

This is an alarming pattern of escalating civil disorder.

The Washington Post

There is often a pattern to escalating workplace violence, said Jim Crumbley, a senior security consultant at Amsec International, a security firm that works with corporations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "escalating pattern" to clearly convey a situation that is not only changing but also intensifying in a specific, often negative, direction. This highlights the need for attention or intervention.

Common error

Avoid using "escalating pattern" when describing simple, linear growth. Ensure the situation involves a noticeable increase in intensity, frequency, or severity, not just a steady rise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "escalating pattern" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a trend or sequence of events that are increasing in intensity, frequency, or severity. As seen in Ludwig, it's typically associated with negative or concerning situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "escalating pattern" is a noun phrase used to describe a trend or sequence of events that are increasing in intensity, frequency, or severity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It often appears in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using "escalating pattern", ensure the situation genuinely involves an increasing intensity, not just a simple increase, and consider alternatives like "increasing trend" or "growing tendency" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing trend

Focuses on the general increase without necessarily implying a negative or alarming connotation.

growing tendency

Highlights the gradual development of a particular behavior or situation.

intensifying cycle

Emphasizes the cyclical nature of the escalation, suggesting a feedback loop.

worsening spiral

Implies a negative situation that is continuously deteriorating.

mounting wave

Suggests a gradual build-up of something, often implying increasing pressure or force.

accumulating series

Highlights the sequential nature of the escalation, emphasizing the addition of events or factors.

heightening sequence

Focuses on the progressive increase in intensity or significance.

amplifying effect

Emphasizes the increasing impact or influence of something.

snowballing development

Suggests a rapid and accelerating growth, similar to a snowball rolling down a hill.

developing crisis

Implies a situation that is gradually evolving into a critical or dangerous state.

FAQs

How to use "escalating pattern" in a sentence?

You can use "escalating pattern" to describe situations that are increasing in intensity or frequency. For example, "The "escalating pattern of violence" in the region is concerning" or "The company noticed an "escalating pattern of customer complaints"".

What can I say instead of "escalating pattern"?

You can use alternatives like "increasing trend", "growing tendency", or "intensifying cycle" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "escalating pattern"?

It's appropriate when describing a series of events or behaviors that are increasing in intensity, frequency, or severity over time. It often implies a cause for concern or the need for intervention.

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

"Escalating pattern" suggests a more rapid and potentially alarming increase than "increasing trend". "Increasing trend" simply indicates a general upward direction, while "escalating pattern" implies a concerning acceleration.