gradually escalating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually escalating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or process that increases in intensity or severity over time. Example: "The conflict between the two countries has been gradually escalating, leading to increased tensions and concerns about a potential war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

General Sharif has been gradually escalating what the army describes as "retaliatory strikes" in North Waziristan.

The Economist

The conflict, gradually escalating from a political impasse into full-scale hostilities, is quickly becoming intractable.

The Guardian - Opinion

But sometimes there are the voyeurs who try to touch the woman, and gradually escalating — then trouble would happen".

The New York Times

But Israeli officials express skepticism that any combination of new diplomatic openness and gradually escalating pressure will work.

The New York Times

Excluding foreplay, petting is usually very stereotyped, beginning with hugging and kissing and gradually escalating to stimulation of the breasts and genitalia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For more than seven years, President Obama has adopted a policy of gradually escalating sanctions that the White House once called "strategic patience".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Siddiqui gradually escalated his praise for violent militants.

The New Yorker

After the French defeat in 1954 and its withdrawal from Indochina, the US military gradually escalated its intervention in Vietnam.

The Guardian

The charges against her gradually escalated to working illegally without a press card and then spying for the United States.

The New York Times

In the Vietnam War, the United States gradually escalated the use of force and declared periodic pauses in its bombing campaign.

The New York Times

What began nearly a year ago as a conversation with Mr. Capellas about sharing technology, she said, gradually escalated into a merger deal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gradually escalating" to describe processes or situations that become more intense, severe, or significant over time. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is escalating and the nature of the escalation.

Common error

Avoid using "gradually escalating" when the increase is sudden or immediate. The phrase implies a slow, progressive change, not an abrupt shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually escalating" functions primarily as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a situation or process that is increasing in intensity or severity over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression in English. It often modifies a noun or clause, adding detail about the manner in which something is changing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradually escalating" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe processes that increase in intensity over time. As Ludwig AI states, the expression is correct. With frequent use in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts, it conveys a measured and progressive change. While alternatives like "progressively increasing" or "slowly intensifying" exist, "gradually escalating" effectively highlights a step-by-step rise in severity or significance. When writing, remember the phrase is best suited for slow, progressive change rather than abrupt events. Its presence in respected publications such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressively increasing

Focuses on the steady and measurable rise in something over time.

slowly intensifying

Emphasizes the growing strength or severity of a situation at a measured pace.

steadily growing

Highlights the consistent and unwavering nature of the increase.

incrementally worsening

Specifically suggests a gradual decline or deterioration.

systematically amplifying

Implies a deliberate and organized increase in magnitude.

continuously mounting

Focuses on the uninterrupted accumulation or build-up of something.

bit by bit increasing

Emphasizes small, successive steps in the escalation process.

step by step intensifying

Highlights a phased approach to increasing intensity.

ever-increasing

Implies a relentless and ongoing rise with no end in sight.

increasingly severe

Focuses directly on the growing severity or seriousness of something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "gradually escalating" in a sentence?

Use "gradually escalating" to describe a situation that increases in intensity or severity over time. For example: "The conflict between the two countries is "gradually escalating", raising concerns about a potential war."

What are some alternatives to "gradually escalating"?

You can use alternatives such as "progressively increasing", "slowly intensifying", or "steadily growing" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "gradually escalating" in formal writing?

Yes, "gradually escalating" is suitable for formal writing as it's grammatically correct and widely used in various professional contexts, as demonstrated by its presence in news articles and scientific publications.

What's the difference between "gradually escalating" and "rapidly escalating"?

"Gradually escalating" implies a slow, progressive increase, while "rapidly escalating" suggests a quick and sudden increase. The choice depends on the actual pace of the escalation you are describing.