intensifies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intensifies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an increase in strength, degree, or intensity of something, such as emotions, situations, or actions. Example: "The storm intensifies as it approaches the coast, causing concern among the residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Pro-Russian rebels in Donetsk keep on the attack as war of words intensifies "Of course we need training to revitalise the army, to reform and teach so it will be ready for combat," said the commander of a frontline checkpoint near Mariupol who would give only his call sign Cobra.

The Guardian

His often-sanctimonious style intensifies the personal nature of attacks ("at least Cameron has a sense of humour," says Alan Johnson).

The Guardian - Opinion

The writers, who also included Peter Carey and Michael Ondaatje, argued in their letter that the choice of winner was "not simply conveying support for freedom of expression, but also valorising … material that intensifies the anti-Islamic, anti-Maghreb, anti-Arab sentiments already prevalent in the western world".

The Guardian - Books

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

Related: Charlie Hebdo row leads to Facebook fallout between Salman Rushdie and Francine Prose The letter, printed in full on The Intercept, says that by selecting Charlie Hebdo, PEN is "valorising selectively offensive material: material that intensifies the anti-Islamic, anti-Maghreb, anti-Arab sentiments already prevalent in the western world".

The Guardian - Books

That intensifies the risk of an escalating capital-control war as each country tries to ward off flows that have been deflected by others.

The Economist

The government guarantees more debts, expands its regulatory reach, and intensifies asset regulation.

The Economist

Misbehaviour starts very young (see chart 1) and intensifies as they grow older.

The Economist

Institutional investors who once forced him out of Amber Day may be equally grateful for not having to oversee him.And, as the baying for corporate blood intensifies, being private has another advantage freedom from shareholder lawsuits.

The Economist

It is possible that the next time the crisis on the continent intensifies, the memory of the Cyprus ordeal will make depositors a little more likely to pre-emptively move their money.

The Economist

But even if it is revived, as most expect, the cycle of losses will continue as the drumbeat of bad economic news intensifies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intensifies" when you want to describe a gradual increase in the severity or strength of something, ensuring the context aligns with a process that naturally becomes more pronounced.

Common error

Avoid using "intensifies" in situations where a simpler term like "increases" or "grows" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

"Intensifies" primarily functions as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "intensify". As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the action of something becoming stronger, greater, or more extreme. It's used to indicate that a quality or state is increasing in degree.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intensifies" is a versatile verb indicating an increase in the strength or degree of something. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently encountered, particularly in news and media contexts. While the word doesn't carry an overly formal register, be mindful of overusing it, as simpler alternatives may be more appropriate depending on the intended tone and audience. When considering related phrases, "escalates", "amplifies", and "heightens" offer nuanced options for expressing similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escalates

Suggests a rapid and often uncontrolled increase in intensity, especially in conflict or danger.

amplifies

Implies an increase in magnitude or effect, often referring to sound or signals but applicable more broadly.

heightens

Indicates an increase in a particular quality or emotion, making it more noticeable or pronounced.

aggravates

Suggests making something worse or more severe, often used in medical or problematic contexts.

exacerbates

Similar to aggravates, but often used in formal or medical contexts to describe worsening conditions.

deepens

Implies a more profound or intense state, often used for emotions, relationships, or understanding.

sharpens

Suggests an increase in focus, clarity, or intensity, often used in the context of senses or skills.

magnifies

Indicates making something appear larger or more significant than it actually is, whether literally or figuratively.

reinforces

Implies strengthening or supporting something, making it more powerful or effective.

compounds

Suggests adding to or increasing something, often with a negative connotation of making a problem worse.

FAQs

How can I use "intensifies" in a sentence?

You can use "intensifies" to describe how something increases in strength or degree. For instance, "The pressure "intensifies" as the deadline approaches" or "The debate "intensifies" as more evidence is presented".

What are some alternatives to "intensifies"?

Alternatives to "intensifies" include "escalates", "amplifies", or "heightens". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the situation is intensifying"?

Yes, "the situation is intensifying" is grammatically correct. It's the progressive form of "intensifies", indicating an ongoing increase in intensity.

What is the difference between "intensifies" and "increases"?

"Increases" is a general term for becoming larger or greater in number or amount. "Intensifies" suggests an increase in the strength, force, or degree of something, often implying a more profound or critical change. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize general growth or a boost in strength or degree.