getting harsher

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting harsher" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is becoming more severe or strict over time. Example: "The weather is getting harsher as winter approaches, making it difficult for the animals to find food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The reviews, Trollope admits, are getting harsher.

The Guardian - Books

In practice Uganda remains a fairly open society, but the authoritarian mood is getting harsher.

The Economist

The rest of the rioters are getting harsher than usual sentences.

The New York Times

Yet for all that, it now seems Australian attitudes are getting harsher.

The New York Times

Imagine the desolation of the Arctic environment around it, getting harsher as winter approaches.

The Guardian

Even in Germany, where culture has traditionally been seen as the responsibility of the state, the climate is getting harsher.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

And nowadays even prime credits are getting harsh judgments in the derivatives market.

Forbes

If you put your jewelry on before these products, you may smudge your jewelry or end up getting harsh chemicals on your jewelry that could cause permanent damage to your jewelry.

WikiHow

It gets harsher from there.

The New York Times - Books

"Everything just got harsher".

The Guardian

With market activity criminalised, punishments got harsher.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "getting harsher", ensure the context clearly defines what is becoming more severe. For example, "The criticism is getting harsher" specifies that it is the criticism, not the weather, that is intensifying.

Common error

Avoid using "getting harsher" with abstract nouns that don't logically allow for degrees of severity. For instance, instead of "The love is getting harsher", consider a more appropriate phrase like "The relationship is becoming more strained".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting harsher" functions primarily as a progressive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is becoming more severe or intense over time. As Ludwig AI suggests, this usage is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting harsher" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe something that is progressively becoming more severe or intense. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in various contexts. While uncommon, it is mostly found in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts. It's important to ensure the context clearly defines what is intensifying and avoid overuse with abstract nouns. Alternatives such as "becoming more severe" or "growing more stringent" can provide similar meaning with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming more severe

Focuses on the increasing degree of intensity or seriousness.

increasing in severity

Explicitly states the increasing degree of harshness.

growing more stringent

Emphasizes increasing strictness or rigor.

turning more acute

Highlights the intensification of a problematic situation.

intensifying

A more concise way to indicate increasing intensity.

escalating

Implies a rapid increase in intensity or severity.

worsening

General term for a deteriorating condition.

degenerating

Describes a decline in quality or condition.

becoming more critical

Highlights the increasing importance or urgency of a situation.

ramping up

Suggests a rapid and significant increase in intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "getting harsher" to describe something that is progressively becoming more severe, strict, or intense. For example, "The penalties for late payments are getting harsher".

What are some alternatives to "getting harsher"?

You can use alternatives like "becoming more severe", "growing more stringent", or "turning more acute" depending on the context.

Is "getting harsher" grammatically correct?

Yes, "getting harsher" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a present continuous tense verb with a comparative adjective.

What's the difference between "getting harsher" and "becoming strict"?

"Getting harsher" implies a gradual increase in severity, while "becoming strict" suggests a shift to a more rigid state. "Getting harsher" focuses on the process of intensification.