higher and higher

USAGE SUMMARY

"higher and higher" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something increases in level, intensity, or magnitude. Example: "The water level continued to rise higher and higher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That water coming higher and higher".

The New Yorker

A bald eagle circles higher and higher.

The New York Times

Stocks kept soaring higher and higher.

The Economist

The stakes get higher and higher now".

The New York Times - Sports

"The stakes keep getting higher and higher".

The New York Times

The train climbed higher and higher.

The New York Times - Travel

The BBC will just go higher and higher and higher.

Independent

"I was getting a higher and higher profile," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Thenceforth the penalties of opposition became higher and higher.

The New York Times - Books

The Christmas lights kept rising higher and higher.

The New Yorker

She had watched as the girls bounced higher and higher.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "higher and higher", consider whether a more specific verb or adjective might provide a more vivid or precise description of the increase. For example, instead of saying "prices went higher and higher", you could say "prices soared" or "prices escalated rapidly".

Common error

While "higher and higher" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound repetitive or informal, especially in formal writing. Opt for synonyms like "increasingly" or "steadily rising" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "higher and higher" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing how something is changing or progressing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It typically modifies verbs to indicate a continuous increase in degree or intensity, as demonstrated in the examples where prices climb or stakes escalate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "higher and higher" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a continuous increase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing ongoing progression. While common, especially in news and media, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "increasingly" or "progressively" for professional contexts. Ludwig's examples show its wide application, from describing rising costs to escalating stakes. When you want to emphasize a continuous rise, "higher and higher" is a solid, though potentially informal, choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ever higher

This alternative shares a strong synonymity with the query because adding “ever” before 'higher' emphasizes a continuous or perpetual action

ceaselessly rising

Similar to “incessantly soaring,” the term “ceaselessly rising” emphasizes uninterrupted, ongoing growth that stresses how continuous the increase is

steadily climbing

By substituting 'higher' with 'climbing' and adding the adverb 'steadily,' this alternative focuses on a gradual and stable upward progression.

increasingly

This single word serves as an adverb expressing a continuous growth or rise in quantity, degree, or intensity. It condenses the comparative idea into one modifier.

continuously escalating

This alternative offers a more dramatic and vivid way to describe how something increases gradually and consistently over time.

progressively advancing

It illustrates a more orderly or methodological kind of positive climb by utilizing "progressively" to describe forward evolution, emphasizing positive momentum.

relentlessly ascending

Using the term “relentlessly” along with “ascending” can give the phrase extra emphasis while also signifying an unstoppable or powerful ascent.

incessantly soaring

It provides an exuberant, poetic alternative with 'soaring' instead of 'higher,' and underscores its ongoing nature using "incessantly"

exponentially growing

This phrase implies an extremely quick upward curve that differs from the slower, steady rate indicated by "higher and higher."

mounting

This alternative illustrates that something develops or rises. The change in structure from comparative to a single verb represents the distinction

FAQs

How can I effectively use "higher and higher" in a sentence?

Use "higher and higher" to describe a continuous increase in something, whether it's a physical attribute like height (e.g., "The balloon floated higher and higher") or an abstract concept like stakes (e.g., "The stakes became higher and higher"). Ensure the context implies ongoing progression.

What are some alternatives to using "higher and higher"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "increasingly", "steadily climbing", or "ever higher". Each of these offers a slightly different nuance.

Is "higher and higher" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "higher and higher" may sound informal in certain contexts. In formal writing, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "increasingly" or "progressively" to convey the same meaning with greater precision.

What's the difference between "higher and higher" and "taller and taller"?

"Higher and higher" is more general and can apply to abstract concepts or non-physical attributes. "Taller and taller" specifically refers to physical height. For example, you wouldn't say "The stakes got taller and taller"; instead, use "higher and higher".