gets progressively worse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets progressively worse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that deteriorates over time in a gradual manner. Example: "As the weather continued to change, the conditions for the hikers in the mountains gets progressively worse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Overall these data confirm that increased and spatially dysregulated apoptosis occurs shortly after birth and gets progressively worse, which is consistent with the gradual accumulation of mutant COMP and progressive shortening of the limbs.

Human Mutation

And then it gets progressively worse.

The New York Times - Sports

The illness can be controlled with drugs, but in some cases it gets progressively worse and can be fatal.

The New York Times

It gets progressively worse the higher up the echelons of academia and industry one rises: women make up 43% of physical science undergraduates but just 10% of professors.

The Guardian - Opinion

The drawback is that it distorts the shapes and areas of large land masses, and the distortion gets progressively worse as you get closer to the poles.

The Economist

There are red flags that should prompt you to get medical attention, Dr. Musahl said: pain that gets progressively worse, pain at rest or at night, joint swelling or bruises that do not heal, and knees or elbows or other joints that lock or seem unstable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It's just got progressively worse and I've progressed to this point where I am such a bad person that even the prisons can't handle me".

BBC

It got progressively worse".

The New York Times - Sports

Wolford got progressively worse.

The Washington Post

"It got progressively worse," he said.

The New York Times

"The hazing got progressively worse," Ms. Howard said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gets progressively worse" to describe situations where the negative impact is gradual and continuous, rather than sudden or intermittent. For example: "The patient's condition got progressively worse despite the treatment."

Common error

Avoid using "gets progressively worse" to describe sudden or abrupt changes. The phrase implies a gradual decline over time. Instead, use words like "suddenly worsened" or "rapidly deteriorated" for such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets progressively worse" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a continuous decline or deterioration over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gets progressively worse" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a gradual decline or deterioration. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in a variety of contexts. As shown by Ludwig examples, it is particularly prevalent in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, remember to apply it to situations involving continuous rather than sudden changes. Alternatives like "deteriorates gradually" or "worsens incrementally" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorates gradually

Focuses on the gradual nature of the decline.

worsens incrementally

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the worsening.

declines steadily

Highlights the consistent downward trend.

goes from bad to worse

A more idiomatic expression indicating worsening conditions.

degrades continuously

Focuses on the ongoing degradation.

erodes over time

Suggests a gradual wearing away or deterioration.

suffers continuous decline

Highlights the negative impact of the ongoing decline.

faces increasing difficulty

Focuses on the increasing challenges presented by the situation.

experiences escalating problems

Emphasizes the increasing severity of the problems.

moves towards a negative outcome

A more general phrase indicating a worsening situation.

FAQs

How can I use "gets progressively worse" in a sentence?

You can use "gets progressively worse" to describe a gradual decline or deterioration of a situation. For example: "The traffic "gets progressively worse" during rush hour."

What are some alternatives to saying "gets progressively worse"?

Alternatives include "deteriorates gradually", "worsens incrementally", or "declines steadily". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "gets progressively worse" or "worsens"?

"Gets progressively worse" emphasizes the gradual nature of the decline, while "worsens" is a more general term. If you want to highlight the gradual deterioration, "gets progressively worse" is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "gets progressively worse" and "suddenly deteriorates"?

"Gets progressively worse" implies a slow, continuous decline over time. "Suddenly deteriorates" suggests an abrupt and unexpected decline. The choice depends on the nature of the change you are describing.