intensify

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'intensify' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a verb, to describe the act of making something more intense or intense. For example, "The storm intensified throughout the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The political rhetoric over immigration will further intensify on Monday as David Cameron promises to ban all EU nationals from claiming most benefits after six months in the UK unless they can prove they have been continuously looking for work over that period.

The Guardian

The former Northern Ireland first minister David Trimble said a yes vote in the Scottish referendum would inevitably intensify pressure for a similar vote on Northern Ireland's future, further polarising Ulster's sectarian politics.

The Guardian

At the same time grazing land will become scarcer and tensions over water will intensify.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The intervention by Mills came as David Cameron prepared to intensify his preparations for his renegotiation of Britain's EU membership terms.

The Guardian

Not only does absence make hearts grow fonder, it can apparently intensify rivalry.

The Guardian - Sport

pic.twitter.com/hITmEgdxRl Updated at 1.07pm BST Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 12.51pm BST12 51 Israel's prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has signalled that the offensive against Gaza will intensify still further.

The Guardian

US-led efforts to construct an international coalition to destroy Islamic State (Isis) are to intensify after leaders from 24 countries pledged at a crisis meeting in Paris on Monday to use "whatever means necessary" to defeat what they called a "global threat".

The Guardian

Buhari in his inaugural address on Friday vowed to intensify the fight against Boko Haram, notably by shifting operational command from the capital Abuja to Maiduguri.

The Guardian

The first words of the film are spoken by two black soldiers, one of whom urges Lincoln to intensify the drive towards equality and turns out to know the Gettysburg address by heart.

The Guardian - Film

The raids will intensify scepticism over a government announcement last Friday that it had achieved a ceasefire with Boko Haram, ending a five-year insurgency that has left more than 10,000 people dead.

The Guardian

A common currency without common taxation and bonds was not likely to work and the eurozone countries will have to intensify their arrangements if matters are to improve.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intensify", ensure the context clearly indicates what is becoming more intense. For example, "The pressure will intensify" is improved by specifying, "The pressure on the government will intensify."

Common error

While "intensify" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "increase" or "get stronger" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "intensify" is as a transitive or intransitive verb. It describes the action of making something more intense or becoming more intense. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as "intensify the fight" or "the offensive will intensify".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intensify" functions as a verb to denote an increase in strength, degree, or force. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use, especially in formal contexts such as news and business writing. While versatile, consider using simpler alternatives in casual settings to avoid sounding overly formal. Understanding the nuances of "intensify" and its related phrases will enhance your writing precision. Note the distinction between similar words like "intensify" vs "exacerbate", or "intensify" vs "increase" for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Heighten

Suggests an increase in intensity, often regarding emotions or sensory experiences.

Escalate

Implies a rapid and often dramatic increase, especially in conflict or tension.

Step up

Means to increase the pace or intensity of something.

Deepen

Indicates an increase in depth or complexity, often used in abstract contexts like relationships or understanding.

Amplify

Implies increasing the magnitude or effect of something, often used in a technical or metaphorical sense.

Strengthen

Focuses on making something more robust or resilient.

Compound

Suggests combining elements to increase the overall effect.

Augment

Suggests adding to something to increase its size or effect.

Magnify

To make something appear larger than it is, or increase in importance.

Exacerbate

Means to make a problem or bad situation worse.

FAQs

How can I use "intensify" in a sentence?

You can use "intensify" to describe the process of making something stronger or more extreme, such as "The debate began to "intensify" as the election neared".

What are some alternatives to "intensify"?

Alternatives include "escalate", "heighten", or "deepen" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "intensify" or "increase"?

While both words can be used to describe a rise in magnitude or degree, "intensify" suggests a sharpening or focusing of the effect, while "increase" simply indicates a growth in quantity or size. Choose the word that best fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "intensify" and "exacerbate"?

"Intensify" generally means to make something stronger, while "exacerbate" specifically means to make something bad even worse. For example, "The medication intensified the pain" is incorrect; "The medication exacerbated the pain" is correct.