getting even worse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting even worse" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation or experience that is becoming more unfavourable or difficult. For example, "The current economic crisis has been volatile for many businesses, with some of them getting even worse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

But it's getting even worse".

The New York Times

"It seems to be getting even worse.

The New York Times - Sports

Things look to be getting even worse.

The New Yorker

This doesn't stop his journalism getting even worse.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's getting even worse and won't improve anytime soon.

The New York Times

It will take considerable skill and luck just to keep things from getting even worse".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"It got even worse".

The New York Times

And it gets even worse.

Independent

It got even worse for Washington.

The New York Times - Sports

Things have got even worse since then.

The Economist

But the problem has got even worse.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "getting even worse", ensure that the context clearly establishes the initial negative situation. This provides a baseline for understanding the degree of deterioration being described. For example, "The traffic was already terrible, and now it's getting even worse."

Common error

Avoid using "getting even worse" without clearly establishing the initial negative situation. Without context, the phrase lacks impact and can confuse the reader. Always ensure there's a clear reference point for the worsening condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting even worse" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of progressive decline. It signifies that a situation, already negative, is experiencing further deterioration. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting even worse" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation that is deteriorating from an already negative state. As Ludwig AI indicates, its proper usage is confirmed across diverse contexts such as news articles, scientific reports, and general discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that you provide clear context about the initial negative situation to effectively convey the degree of decline. Consider using alternatives like "deteriorating further" or "going from bad to worse" to add nuance to your writing. Avoid overuse without proper context to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going from bad to worse

Expresses a progression from an already negative situation to an even more unfavorable one.

deteriorating further

Focuses on the process of decline, emphasizing the continuation of a negative trend.

declining more rapidly

Highlights the speed of the decline, suggesting a faster rate of worsening.

worsening considerably

Emphasizes the significant extent of the deterioration.

spiraling downward

Implies a continuous and accelerating decline, often out of control.

taking a turn for the worse

Indicates a distinct shift towards a more negative state.

plummeting further

Suggests a steep and rapid decline, often used in the context of numbers or statistics.

exacerbating the situation

Focuses on actions or factors that are making an existing problem worse.

aggravating the problem

Highlights the worsening of a specific problem or issue.

things are going downhill

A more informal expression indicating a decline or deterioration.

FAQs

How can I use "getting even worse" in a sentence?

You can use "getting even worse" to describe a situation that is deteriorating from an already negative state. For example, "The economic recession was severe, and now the unemployment rate is "getting even worse"".

What are some alternatives to "getting even worse"?

Alternatives include "deteriorating further", "going from bad to worse", or "declining more rapidly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "gotten even worse" instead of "getting even worse"?

Both "gotten even worse" and "getting even worse" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different usages. "Getting even worse" describes a continuous process, while "gotten even worse" describes a completed change to a worse state. Depending on regional usage, one might be more common than the other.

What's the difference between "getting worse" and "getting even worse"?

"Getting worse" indicates a decline, while "getting even worse" implies that the situation was already bad and is now deteriorating further. The addition of "even" emphasizes the increased severity of the decline.