growing more severe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "growing more severe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is becoming increasingly serious or intense over time. Example: "The storm warnings indicate that the weather conditions are growing more severe as the night approaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The effects are cumulative, growing more severe with time.

The Guardian

Climate-change estimates are sharpening, too, and growing more severe.

The New Yorker

"The economic emergency is growing more severe," Mr. Obama said just before the afternoon meeting began.

The New York Times

In fact, global data show that storms, droughts, and other weather-related disasters are growing more severe and more frequent.

Harvard Business Review

Southern Sudan's famine, instigated by the government in Khartoum and made worse by the indifference and incompetence of the rebel movement, is growing more severe.

The Economist

The report also found that the level of illness among the mentally ill being admitted to jail and prison has been growing more severe in the past few years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The shot relieved Eric's symptoms, but over the next several months, his parents observed that his sensitivity had grown more severe.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, his episodes grew more severe.

The New York Times

Some have grown more severe.

The Guardian - Business

As 2000 approached, my panic attacks grew more severe.

The Guardian

As night fell, the scene grew more severe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing more severe" to describe conditions, situations, or problems that are not only worsening but also becoming more intense and impactful over time. For example, "The symptoms of the illness are growing more severe each day."

Common error

Avoid using "growing more severe" when describing a sudden, immediate change. This phrase implies a gradual progression of increasing intensity rather than an instantaneous shift. For example, instead of saying "The accident caused the injury to grow more severe", opt for "The accident immediately made the injury more severe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing more severe" functions as a modifier, typically describing a noun or situation. It indicates that something is in the process of becoming worse or more intense. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "growing more severe" is a phrase used to describe a situation that is gradually worsening. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias and formal business communications. Alternatives include "becoming increasingly serious" or "worsening in intensity". While "growing more severe" implies a gradual progression, it's important to avoid using it for sudden changes. Its purpose is to express concern about an escalating issue and is suitable for neutral to formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming increasingly serious

Focuses on the increasing level of danger or concern associated with the situation.

worsening in intensity

Highlights the increase in the strength or degree of the negative condition.

escalating in severity

Emphasizes the rapid and dramatic increase in the negative impact.

intensifying

A more concise way to express that something is becoming stronger or more pronounced in its negative effects.

aggravating

Suggests that something is making a situation worse or more troublesome.

exacerbating

Similar to aggravating, but often used in more formal contexts to indicate a worsening of a problem or condition.

reaching a critical point

Indicates that the situation has deteriorated to a stage where decisive action is needed.

becoming acute

Suggests that the problem has reached a point of high intensity and requires immediate attention.

deteriorating rapidly

Highlights the speed at which the situation is becoming worse.

spiraling out of control

Implies that the situation is becoming increasingly difficult to manage and is worsening in an unpredictable way.

FAQs

How can I use "growing more severe" in a sentence?

You can use "growing more severe" to describe how a situation is worsening over time. For example, "Climate change is causing extreme weather events to become "growing more severe"."

What are some alternatives to "growing more severe"?

Alternatives include "becoming increasingly serious", "worsening in intensity", or "escalating in severity", which all suggest an increase in the intensity or seriousness of something.

Is it correct to say "growing severely" instead of "growing more severe"?

While "severely" can describe the intensity of something, "growing more severe" is generally preferred to describe a gradual worsening. "Growing severely" is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What is the difference between "growing more severe" and "becoming critical"?

"Growing more severe" indicates a gradual increase in intensity or seriousness. "Becoming critical" suggests that a situation has reached a point of crisis or extreme danger. While a situation "growing more severe" might eventually "become critical", the phrases describe different stages of a progression.