gets more desperate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets more desperate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or person that is increasingly showing signs of urgency or hopelessness. Example: "As the deadline approached, her attempts to find a solution get more desperate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Meanwhile, London's housing shortage gets more desperate.

The Economist

Mr Cameron claimed his opponent "gets more desperate because he can't talk about the economy, he can't talk about unemployment.

Independent

But as Danilov gets more desperate and ragged, Dobrygin's performance becomes ever more compelling and by the end, the actor has truly won his Outward Bound badge.

Independent

Mailloux said he'll lower his sights from IT work if his situation gets more desperate.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Unfortunately, month by month, the situation is getting more desperate.

The Guardian - Business

And everyone agrees that Lagos's need for better infrastructure is getting more desperate.

The Economist

"The budget went up as I got more desperate," he said.

The New York Times

"As the economy gets tighter and tighter," he said, "debt collectors may be getting more desperate".

The New York Times

We were slow with the ball in the first half, and when we got behind we just got more desperate".

The New York Times - Sports

"When the shoplifters realize there are going to be consequences for their actions, they're going to get more desperate," Ms. LaBruno said.

The New York Times

"The big consumer manufacturers will need to get their 2001 lines out, and they'll get more desperate as they get closer to launch dates".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gets more desperate" to effectively describe a gradual decline into a state of increased urgency and diminished hope, particularly in situations where actions become less rational or more risky.

Common error

While "gets more desperate" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language like "becomes increasingly critical" or "deteriorates significantly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets more desperate" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of increasing desperation. As shown in Ludwig, it is used to describe a situation, person, or entity that is experiencing a worsening condition, leading to increasingly urgent or risky actions. The verb 'gets' links the subject to this state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gets more desperate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of increasing urgency and diminished hope. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required by the context and audience, opting for more precise language in formal writing. The phrase finds common use in news, business, and even scientific contexts, depicting situations where actions become increasingly risky due to declining circumstances. Alternatives like "becomes increasingly desperate" or "grows more frantic" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to use "gets more desperate" judiciously to effectively convey a sense of urgency and decline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes increasingly desperate

Emphasizes a gradual change into a state of desperation.

grows more frantic

Focuses on the agitated and hurried nature of the desperation.

reaches a critical point

Highlights the severity and urgency of the situation.

descends into panic

Indicates a shift towards a state of uncontrolled fear and anxiety.

approaches a breaking point

Suggests the situation is nearing a point of collapse or failure.

faces increasing adversity

Shifts the focus to the mounting challenges and difficulties.

encounters deepening trouble

Highlights the worsening nature of the problems.

is met with growing resistance

Focuses on the increasing opposition or challenges faced.

becomes more untenable

Emphasizes that the situation is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain or defend.

finds itself in a tighter corner

Indicates a situation where options and resources are diminishing.

FAQs

How can I use "gets more desperate" in a sentence?

You can use "gets more desperate" to describe situations where someone's or something's condition is worsening and they are acting with increasing urgency. For example, "As the deadline approached, her attempts to find a solution "gets more desperate"."

What are some alternatives to "gets more desperate"?

Alternatives include "becomes increasingly desperate", "grows more frantic", or "reaches a critical point", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "gets more desperate"?

Yes, "gets more desperate" is grammatically correct. The verb "gets" is used as a linking verb, and "more desperate" functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject's state.

What's the difference between "gets more desperate" and "becomes increasingly desperate"?

While both phrases are similar, "becomes increasingly desperate" /s/becomes+increasingly+desperate often implies a more gradual and intensifying process, whereas ""gets more desperate"" can suggest a more immediate shift into desperation.