getting heavier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting heavier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increase in weight or intensity, often in a metaphorical sense, such as emotions or situations becoming more serious. Example: "As the storm approached, the clouds were getting heavier, signaling an impending downpour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rain is getting heavier.

The Guardian - Sport

The air was getting heavier.

The Guardian - Sport

The snow was getting heavier.

Nature

Sadly, it's getting heavier by the second.

The Guardian - Sport

Linemen have been getting heavier, faster.

The New York Times - Sports

And the sentences are getting heavier and heavier".

The New York Times

Populations in many developed nations are, not surprisingly, getting heavier.

The New York Times

And something is: it is indeed getting heavier and heavier.

Independent

My legs were getting heavier and heavier and heavier".

The Guardian - Sport

The rain is getting heavier as the players wander off.

The Guardian - Sport

Traffic in cities is getting heavier and more impatient.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual increase in difficulty or complexity, use "getting heavier" to convey a sense of mounting pressure. For example, "As the project progressed, the workload was getting heavier."

Common error

Be mindful when using the phrase figuratively. Ensure the context logically supports the idea of increasing weight or pressure. Overuse in abstract contexts can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting heavier" functions as a progressive verb phrase, indicating an ongoing process of increasing weight or intensity. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts, such as describing physical objects or emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting heavier" is a versatile expression used to describe an increase in weight, burden, or intensity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it functions primarily to describe a change over time, it's important to consider the specific nuance and context to avoid overuse or inappropriate application. Consider alternatives like "becoming weightier" or "growing more onerous" for formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing heavier

Similar to "getting heavier", but emphasizes the gradual increase.

becoming weightier

Focuses specifically on the increase in weight, either literally or metaphorically.

progressively heavier

Emphasizes that the heaviness is getting stronger as something progresses.

increasing in weight

Directly refers to the process of gaining weight.

accumulating weight

Implies a buildup of weight over time.

escalating in intensity

Shifts the focus to increasing intensity rather than physical weight.

intensifying

Highlights the increasing strength or severity of something.

becoming more burdensome

Focuses on the increasing difficulty or oppressiveness.

increasingly onerous

Similar to burdensome, but with a more formal tone.

piling up

Implies an accumulation of something, which can be weight or responsibility.

FAQs

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

"Getting heavier" can describe a literal increase in weight, such as "The bag is getting heavier as I add more books". It can also be used metaphorically to describe increasing pressure or difficulty, as in "The atmosphere in the room was "becoming more tense"".

What's a more formal alternative to "getting heavier"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "increasing in weight", "becoming weightier", or "growing more onerous", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "getting heavier" to describe emotions?

Yes, "getting heavier" can be used metaphorically to describe emotions, but ensure the context is appropriate. For instance, "My heart was "becoming heavier" with sadness" is acceptable, but overuse can diminish its impact.

What's the difference between "getting heavier" and "becoming heavier"?

The phrases "getting heavier" and ""becoming heavier"" are largely interchangeable. Both describe a process of increasing weight or intensity. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific rhythm of the sentence.