getting any bigger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting any bigger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing growth or size, often in a context where there is concern or curiosity about whether something will increase in size. Example: "I wonder if this balloon is getting any bigger as we fill it with air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"The boroughs aren't getting any bigger.

The New York Times

"He's not getting any bigger.

The New Yorker

After all, islands, cathedrals and museums aren't getting any bigger.

The Guardian

Britta (Gillian Jacobs) tries to keep Jeff's head from getting any bigger.

The New York Times

"Tuition fees have just gone up and maintenance loans aren't getting any bigger," Farmelo says.

The Guardian

"Eventually, people are going to notice our casaba melon's not getting any bigger".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Do consequences get any bigger?

The New York Times

The leagues don't get any bigger.

The New York Times - Books

"But it never gets any bigger," she said.

The New York Times

It doesn't get any bigger than Batman versus Superman.

Independent

It doesn't get any bigger than that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting any bigger" when you want to inquire or express concern about something increasing in size or scope, especially when there's an implication of a limit or a potential negative consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "getting any bigger" when you simply want to describe normal growth. The phrase often implies a question or concern about exceeding a desired or acceptable size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting any bigger" functions as a verb phrase typically used in questions or statements expressing concern or inquiry about an increase in size, scope, or degree. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is usable and accurate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting any bigger" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to inquire about or express concern over an increase in size or scope. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently found in News & Media, but also appears in Wiki sources. When using this phrase, be mindful of its implication of a potential problem or limit to growth. Consider alternatives like "growing in size" or "expanding in scope" when a neutral description is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing in size

Focuses specifically on the physical increase in dimensions.

expanding in scope

Emphasizes the broadening of influence or range rather than physical size.

increasing in magnitude

Highlights the growth in importance or impact.

enlarging in dimension

Similar to "growing in size" but more formal and technical.

becoming more expansive

Suggests a wider or more comprehensive nature.

bulking up

Implies an increase in mass, often associated with physical strength or muscle.

ballooning in scale

Conveys a rapid and potentially uncontrolled increase.

swelling in volume

Specifically refers to an increase in the amount of space something occupies.

accumulating more mass

Focuses on the gathering or collection of physical matter.

ramping up

Suggests an increase in activity or production, rather than physical size.

FAQs

How can I use "getting any bigger" in a sentence?

You can use "getting any bigger" to inquire about an increase in size, often with a hint of concern. For example: "Is the deficit getting any bigger?" or "I'm worried that the tumor is getting any bigger."

What does it mean when something is "not getting any bigger"?

When something is "not getting any bigger", it means that it is remaining the same size and not increasing. This could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the context. For example: "The hole in my shirt is not getting any bigger" (good) vs. "The company's market share is not getting any bigger" (bad).

What are some alternatives to "getting any bigger"?

Alternatives include "growing in size", "expanding in scope", or "increasing in magnitude" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is not getting any bigger" or "isn't getting any bigger"?

Both "is not getting any bigger" and "isn't getting any bigger" are grammatically correct. The latter is simply a contraction of the former and is more informal.