has been intensifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been intensifying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that has been increasing in intensity over a period of time. Example: "The storm has been intensifying throughout the night, leading to severe weather warnings in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since then, protectionism has been intensifying.

The Economist

The friction has been intensifying for months.

The New York Times

The debate has been intensifying.

The New York Times

Animosity toward the federal government has been intensifying at a stunning rate.

The New York Times

Of late, anti-homosexual sentiment has been intensifying in several African nations.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the resident-vs.-outsider debate in Cherry Valley has been intensifying.

The New York Times

Recently, Israel has been intensifying its military offensive to try to wear down Palestinian militants.

The New York Times

For months, a debate among Iran specialists over both questions has been intensifying.

The New York Times

In recent days, the chaos in the country has been intensifying.

The New York Times

The debate has been intensifying because Earth is warming much faster than some researchers had predicted.

The Washington Post

Cuba's involvement with China has been intensifying for more than a decade, as Russian influence has receded.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been intensifying" when you want to emphasize the gradual increase in the strength or severity of a situation or phenomenon over a period of time. It's particularly effective when describing trends or ongoing processes.

Common error

Avoid using "has been intensifying" to describe a situation that is already at its peak intensity or is not changing over time. Instead, use a more descriptive adjective or verb to capture the current state without implying a process of intensification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been intensifying" functions as a present perfect progressive verb phrase. It describes an action that started in the past and continues to the present, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the intensification. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been intensifying" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes an ongoing process of becoming more intense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and scientific writing. While "has been intensifying" is considered to be neutral, it's crucial to avoid overuse in static contexts and choose more descriptive alternatives if the situation is not actively changing. Its frequent usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been escalating

Emphasizes a rapid and often uncontrolled increase in intensity.

has been growing

Indicates a gradual increase in size, amount, or degree.

has been worsening

Focuses on the negative aspect of something becoming more severe.

has been amplifying

Suggests that something is being made louder or more noticeable.

has been heightening

Implies that something is becoming more acute or pronounced.

has been amplifying

Suggests that something is being magnified or made more intense.

has been exacerbating

Focuses on the worsening of an already negative situation.

has been surging

Indicates a sudden and powerful increase.

has been mounting

Suggests a gradual accumulation of something, like pressure or tension.

has been building up

Implies a gradual accumulation or increase over time, often leading to a climax.

FAQs

How can I use "has been intensifying" in a sentence?

You can use "has been intensifying" to describe a situation or condition that is increasing in strength or severity over time. For example: "The debate has been intensifying because Earth is warming much faster than some researchers had predicted."

What are some alternatives to "has been intensifying"?

You can use alternatives like "has been escalating", "has been growing", or "has been worsening" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "has intensified" instead of "has been intensifying"?

Yes, "has intensified" indicates a completed action of becoming more intense, while "has been intensifying" suggests an ongoing process of intensification. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the result or the process.

What's the difference between "has been intensifying" and "is intensifying"?

"Is intensifying" describes something that is currently in the process of becoming more intense, while "has been intensifying" indicates that the process has been ongoing for some time. The former emphasizes the present moment, while the latter highlights the duration of the change.