is escalating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is escalating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is intensifying or increasing in severity or magnitude. Example: "The conflict between the two countries is escalating, leading to concerns about a potential war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Need is escalating.

The Guardian

Instead, the military is escalating the conflict".

The New York Times

"Each side is escalating," Mr. Giragosian said.

The New York Times

But the crisis is escalating.

The Washington Post

And the arms race is escalating.

The New York Times

It is escalating out of control.

The New York Times

Background: The burden of breast cancer in Asia is escalating.

Harvard University

Thus research on optimum operation of SPIM drives is escalating.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

The result is escalating costs for firms operating in China.

The Economist

"This has become routine and is escalating, escalating, escalating".

The New York Times

"It's a problem that is escalating," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is escalating" to clearly indicate a situation is becoming more serious or intense. This phrase is suitable for describing conflicts, costs, or other issues that are growing in magnitude.

Common error

Avoid using "is escalating" in very casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday scenarios. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is getting worse" or "is increasing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is escalating" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a situation or process is currently increasing in intensity, seriousness, or extent. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a valid phrase to describe a situation becoming more severe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is escalating" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that indicates a situation is increasing in intensity or severity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific publications, and academic writing, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "is intensifying" or "is increasing" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is intensifying

Focuses on the increasing intensity of something, similar to escalating.

is increasing

A more general term for something becoming larger or more numerous.

is growing

Suggests a gradual increase, often organic or natural.

is mounting

Implies an accumulation of something, like pressure or tension.

is surging

Conveys a sudden and powerful increase.

is amplifying

Highlights the process of something being made louder or more intense.

is heightening

Emphasizes the elevation or intensification of something.

is amplifying

Highlights the process of something being made louder or more intense.

is accelerating

Indicates an increase in speed or rate.

is exacerbating

Emphasizes the worsening of an already negative situation.

FAQs

How to use "is escalating" in a sentence?

The phrase "is escalating" indicates that something is increasing in intensity or severity. For example, "The conflict between the two groups "is escalating", leading to more frequent clashes."

What can I say instead of "is escalating"?

You can use alternatives like "is intensifying", "is increasing", or "is growing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is escalating" or "escalates"?

"Is escalating" is the present continuous tense, used for ongoing situations. "Escalates" is the simple present tense, used for habitual actions or general truths. Choose the tense that best fits the context of your sentence.

What's the difference between "is escalating" and "is de-escalating"?

"Is escalating" means something is increasing in intensity, while "is de-escalating" means something is decreasing in intensity or severity. They are antonyms.