gradually intensifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually intensifying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or situation that is increasing in strength or severity over time. Example: "The storm is gradually intensifying, leading to concerns about potential flooding in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

A long-standing US ally, he faced gradually intensifying opposition from middle-class Iranians demanding greater political freedoms, and from Muslim fundamentalists aggrieved by increasing Western influence.

Independent

Hence the gradually intensifying "smart" sanctions, which are designed to hurt Mr Putin and his closest allies but to minimise the pain for ordinary Russians.This week America imposed extra sanctions against seven individuals, including a deputy prime minister, as well as three smallish banks and a string of companies linked to Gennady Timchenko and other oligarchs subject to sanctions.

The Economist

This was a serial program, gradually intensifying from what Mr. Hodgkinson called the "freely tonal" (Roger Sessions's "From My Diary," still tethered by key signatures to the familiar past but dipping its toe into the dark waters of tonal flexibility) to the outright 12-tone (Donald Martino's "Fantasies and Impromptus," dense and intricate, as sour and bracing as a Guinness Stout).

The New York Times - Arts

The stochastic nature and the uncertainties in the ocean waves were taken into account by introducing a set of artificial, random and gradually intensifying wave trains.

Marine Structures

In this method, structures are subjected to gradually intensifying ground shaking and their performance is assessed based on their response considering relevant design criteria at each intensity level.

Engineering Structures

Additionally, portions of exotic flints from southern France and the Ebro Basin increase over the course of the Lower Magdalenian, possibly indicating gradually intensifying social contacts.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The fighting gradually intensified, with the guerrillas' attacks marked by varied tactics and firepower.

The New York Times

He gradually intensified the moves to clarify the logic of each.

The New Yorker

Nazi pressure was gradually intensified, and increasingly the Confessing Church was forced underground.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So much of the former Soviet Union feels depopulated and abandoned compared with the west, but near the Chernobyl zone that feeling gradually intensifies.

The Guardian

After the 2002 crisis which affected the Argentine economy, the government gradually intensified its intervention in the beef sector.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gradually intensifying" to describe a process or situation where the increase in strength or severity is not abrupt, but rather happens over a period of time. This is especially useful when discussing trends, changes in weather patterns, or the progression of a disease.

Common error

Avoid using "gradually intensifying" to describe events that happen suddenly or instantaneously. The phrase implies a process that unfolds over time, so it's not appropriate for describing immediate occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually intensifying" functions as an adverbial modifier describing how an action or state changes over time. It indicates a slow, steady increase in the intensity of something. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gradually intensifying" is a versatile expression used to describe a steady increase in the strength or severity of something over time. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reports and even more informal writing. Common usages include describing weather patterns, social changes, or physical processes. Keep in mind that using it implies a process that unfolds over time, making it inappropriate for describing instantaneous events. Consider alternatives like "steadily increasing" or "slowly escalating" depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steadily increasing

Emphasizes the consistent and unwavering nature of the increase, focusing on the incremental growth.

progressively worsening

Highlights a negative connotation, focusing on a gradual decline or deterioration.

slowly escalating

Suggests a gradual increase in intensity, often in a context of conflict or tension.

incrementally building

Focuses on the step-by-step accumulation of intensity or strength.

gently amplifying

Implies a subtle and gradual increase in intensity, often in a non-forceful manner.

continuously mounting

Emphasizes the ongoing and persistent nature of the increase in intensity.

imperceptibly growing

Highlights the subtle and almost unnoticeable nature of the increasing intensity.

bit by bit heightening

Stresses a very gradual and measured increase in intensity.

mildly augmenting

Focuses on a slight and gentle increase in intensity or size.

moderately swelling

Suggests a balanced and measured increase in intensity or volume.

FAQs

How can I use "gradually intensifying" in a sentence?

You can use "gradually intensifying" to describe situations where something is increasing in strength or severity over time. For example, "The pressure on the company was gradually intensifying as the deadline approached."

What are some alternatives to "gradually intensifying"?

Some alternatives to "gradually intensifying" include "steadily increasing", "slowly escalating", or "progressively worsening", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "intensity is gradually intensifying"?

While grammatically understandable, "intensity is gradually intensifying" can sound redundant. It's often better to rephrase it to "the intensity is gradually increasing" or "the situation is gradually intensifying" for clearer communication.

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

"Gradually intensifying" describes a slow and steady increase in strength or severity, while "rapidly intensifying" describes a quick and sudden increase. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of the speed of change.