getting progressively harder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting progressively harder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that becomes increasingly difficult over time or as it progresses. Example: "The puzzles in this game are getting progressively harder, challenging even the most experienced players."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

American consumers have been getting progressively harder to please.

The New York Times

While most Filipino presidents have tended to steer clear of the squabbles, the situation is getting progressively harder for them to ignore.

Vice

It is getting progressively harder to argue that increasing sophistication and knowledge of this type of methodology significantly improves one's results.

Genome Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This exercise gets progressively harder.

The New York Times

It gets progressively harder to get back into the game if you let that happen.

The Guardian - Opinion

This will get progressively harder to do over the next few years.

The Economist

Initially the solutions are readily apparent to most people, but they get progressively harder to discern.

The New York Times - Magazine

The dives get progressively harder... 7.45 am: And the second Aldridge and Daley dive is a 50.4.

The Guardian - Sport

It was when that went, and he was left to his own devices, that I think it got progressively harder".

Independent

The Chechen source now living in Ukraine explained how things got progressively harder from 2004, when mobile phones began to be widespread in Chechnya.

The Guardian

It's pathetic how much significance I attach to the Times puzzle, which is easy on Monday and gets progressively harder as the week advances.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or task that requires building upon previous steps, "getting progressively harder" is useful. For example, when describing game levels, tests, or a training regimen. Ensure the context makes clear what is increasing in difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "getting progressively harder" to describe situations that suddenly become difficult. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where the difficulty increases gradually over time, not abruptly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting progressively harder" functions as an adverbial modifier describing how an action or situation changes over time. It specifies the manner in which something becomes more challenging. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a gradual increase in difficulty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting progressively harder" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a gradual increase in difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various domains like News & Media, Science, and Wiki. While it's suitable for neutral contexts, understanding the nuances of its meaning and usage is crucial. Remember to use it for gradual increases in difficulty, not sudden changes. Semantically similar phrases include "becoming increasingly challenging" and "growing steadily more difficult", offering writers a range of options to express this concept effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming increasingly challenging

Emphasizes the increasing difficulty, focusing on the challenge aspect.

growing steadily more difficult

Highlights the gradual nature of the increasing difficulty.

becoming gradually tougher

Uses a more informal term ('tougher') to describe the increasing difficulty.

getting tougher as it goes on

Adds a temporal element, emphasizing that the difficulty increases as time passes.

getting more and more complex

Shifts the focus to increasing complexity rather than pure difficulty.

growing more demanding

Highlights the increasing requirements or expectations.

getting increasingly strenuous

Focuses on the increasing effort or exertion required.

getting steadily more intense

Shifts the focus to increasing intensity rather than pure difficulty.

increasing in severity over time

Focuses on the increasing seriousness or gravity of the situation.

becoming increasingly arduous

Uses a more formal term ('arduous') to describe the increasing difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "getting progressively harder" in a sentence?

You can use "getting progressively harder" to describe tasks or situations where the difficulty increases gradually over time. For example: "The puzzles in this game are "getting progressively harder" as you advance to higher levels."

What are some alternatives to "getting progressively harder"?

Alternatives include "becoming increasingly challenging", "growing steadily more difficult", or "getting more and more complex". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "getting progressively difficult" instead of "getting progressively harder"?

Yes, "getting progressively difficult" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning to "getting progressively harder". The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "getting progressively harder" and "becoming immediately difficult"?

"Getting progressively harder" describes a gradual increase in difficulty, whereas "becoming immediately difficult" describes a sudden or abrupt increase. They are used in different contexts to convey different experiences of difficulty.