getting fierce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting fierce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone becoming intense, passionate, or assertive, often in a competitive or confrontational context. Example: "As the competition heated up, she started getting fierce, determined to win the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It seems the competition for high art populism is getting fierce.

The Guardian

With talks continuing over major parts of the bill, the last-minute lobbying is getting fierce, as those with a stake make one final push to get their interests protected or make sure their competition does not win some advantage, a Republican aide said.

The New York Times

The price war between them is getting fierce.

Forbes

Unix servers are a multibillion-dollar market led by Sun but the competition is getting fierce.

Forbes

The competition from its various partners, who churn out their own devices based on the Palm operating system, is getting fierce.

Forbes

The reason, according to Peter Abdill, senior credit officer and food analyst at Moody's, is that competition is getting fierce even as prices for cocoa go up.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

And the competition is getting fiercer.

The Economist

But the IRS is getting fiercer.

The Economist

But international competition for largesse is getting fiercer.

The Economist

Sports channels have broad appeal, but competition for rights is getting fiercer.

The Economist

Competition was getting fiercer, with the gold rush drawing newcomers every day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting fierce" to describe a situation or individual's behavior when there's a noticeable increase in intensity, determination, or aggression. This phrase is effective in conveying a sense of escalating action or competition.

Common error

Avoid using "getting fierce" in formal academic or business writing. While acceptable in news and media, it can sound too informal for professional settings. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "intensifying" or "becoming more competitive" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting fierce" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as a verb modifier. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to depict a state of increasing intensity or aggression. Examples from Ludwig show it describing competition, arguments, and even personal behavior.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting fierce" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe an increase in intensity, competition, or aggression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in a variety of contexts, although it is most frequently found in News & Media sources. When writing, it is advisable to avoid overusing the phrase in formal or business contexts, opting instead for alternatives like "becoming intense" or "escalating". The phrase is generally neutral in tone and serves to emphasize a notable change in the level of intensity within a particular situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing fierce

A more direct synonym, simply replacing "getting" with "growing".

becoming intense

Focuses on the increasing level of intensity, removing the aggressive connotation.

intensifying

Highlights the process of becoming more intense, suitable for describing situations or feelings.

escalating

Suggests a gradual increase in intensity or severity, often used in conflict scenarios.

becoming formidable

Suggests the process of becoming impressively powerful or capable.

heating up

Implies increasing excitement or tension, common in competitive settings.

turning ferocious

Implies a sudden change to extreme intensity or violence.

becoming aggressive

Emphasizes the shift toward a more confrontational or forceful approach.

gathering momentum

Indicates an increase in force or speed, often in a figurative sense.

becoming competitive

Highlights the increasing drive to outperform others.

FAQs

How can I use "getting fierce" in a sentence?

You can use "getting fierce" to describe an increase in intensity or aggression. For example, "As the debate continued, the arguments were "getting fierce"" or "The competition is "getting fierce" as the finals approach".

What can I say instead of "getting fierce"?

You can use alternatives like "becoming intense", "intensifying", or "escalating" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "getting fierce"?

It's appropriate to use "getting fierce" in informal or semi-formal contexts, such as news articles, blog posts, or casual conversations, to describe a situation where competition or intensity is increasing. Avoid using it in formal academic papers or business reports.

Which is correct, "getting fierce" or "becoming fierce"?

Both ""getting fierce"" and "becoming fierce" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific flow of the sentence.