escalating the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'escalating the matter' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to mean confronting a problem more intensely in order to make resolution more likely. For example, "When disagreements arose between the two sides, it became necessary to escalate the matter by bringing in a mediator."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This would include a process for assessing the severity of a cybersecurity incident, escalating the matter to senior management if appropriate, and involving disclosure experts to determine whether SEC disclosure is required.

Columbia University

The issue was only resolved after escalating the matter to the customer's legal department and explaining the client was compliant with the regulatory requirements.

Forbes

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

But the British prime minister has not directly criticised China publicly and the Foreign Office has not escalated the matter.

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "escalating the matter", ensure the context clearly indicates that the intention is to resolve the issue more effectively, not simply to make it worse. For example, clarify that the escalation involves bringing in expert help or applying more resources.

Common error

Don't use "escalating the matter" when a simpler solution is available. Escalation should be reserved for situations where initial attempts to resolve the problem have failed and a more serious approach is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "escalating the matter" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action being taken to increase the intensity of dealing with a situation. Ludwig AI provides examples where it is used to describe bringing a problem to the attention of senior management or involving legal departments.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "escalating the matter" is a correct and usable phrase that signifies intensifying efforts to resolve an issue. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it's a verb phrase used in neutral to professional registers, often found in news and academic contexts. While the phrase itself is grammatically sound, it should be used judiciously, reserved for situations where initial attempts at resolution have proven insufficient. Alternatives such as "raising the issue" or "intensifying the situation" can be considered depending on the specific nuance required. Be mindful to ensure escalation is appropriate for the given context, focusing on constructive solutions rather than simply aggravating the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raising the issue

Focuses on bringing the problem to attention, rather than intensifying action.

advancing the cause

Implies promoting something forward, which is suitable in the context of intensifying action.

taking it up a notch

Represents increasing the intensity or level of engagement to an issue, thus, it is interchangeable with "escalating the matter".

intensifying the situation

This describes an increase in intensity, which can imply complicating rather than resolving.

amplifying the problem

This alternative evokes increasing the significance or visibility of an issue.

aggravating the situation

Focuses on making the situation worse, not necessarily addressing it more forcefully.

inflaming the conflict

Implies adding emotional intensity, which may not be the goal of escalation.

making a mountain out of a molehill

Suggests overreacting to a minor issue.

stirring the pot

Implies deliberately causing trouble or controversy.

fanning the flames

Implies adding fuel to an existing conflict, possibly worsening the situation.

FAQs

What does "escalating the matter" mean?

It means to increase the intensity or seriousness of actions taken to address a problem or issue, often involving higher authorities or more drastic measures.

How to use "escalating the matter" in a sentence?

Example: "Due to the lack of progress, the team decided that "raising the issue" to the director was necessary."

What are some alternatives to "escalating the matter"?

You can use alternatives like "raising the issue", "advancing the cause", or "intensifying the situation" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to consider "escalating the matter"?

It's appropriate when initial attempts to resolve an issue have failed, and a more serious or forceful approach is required to achieve a resolution.