is getting stricter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is getting stricter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where rules, regulations, or standards are becoming more severe or demanding over time. Example: "The school policy on attendance is getting stricter this year, with new penalties for tardiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Bangladesh is getting stricter with its policy on the Rohingyas — their only refuge is India".

The New York Times

Even the United States is getting stricter about issuing passports: as of Feb. 5, parents applying for a passport for a minor must take the child with them.

The New York Times - Travel

"At any given time, even when the business cycle is good and the economy is strong, about one in five companies is getting stricter with corporate travel policies," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But even before it was first introduced in 2006, refereeing had been getting stricter.

The Economist

"A lot of schools are getting stricter dress codes," she said.

The New York Times

US midterm elections are getting closer by the day, and voter-ID laws are getting stricter by the state.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to Mr. Geoghegan of D.R.T., the sooner companies join, the easier it will be for them to adapt to environmental norms that are getting stricter all the time.

The New York Times

Bao Pu, co-founder of New Century Press (a publishing house that specialises in highbrow political books), says that controls at the border with Hong Kong have been getting stricter in the past few years – "and ever more so since the establishment of the Southern Hill Project in 2010".

The Guardian - Books

It was easier a couple of months ago, but now I heard Chinese Customs are getting stricter," frets Ms Li, refusing to disclose her first name.

BBC

We have seen already that regulation is having much more influence and it is getting much more strict.

Forbes

Britain's jails are dangerously overcrowded and the Prison Service is getting desperate.Stricter sentencing policy is the main reason.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is getting stricter", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific rules, laws, or standards are becoming more stringent. Providing concrete examples helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "is getting stricter" without specifying what is becoming stricter. For instance, instead of saying "Security is getting stricter", specify "Security at the airport is getting stricter due to new regulations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is getting stricter" functions as a verb phrase in the progressive aspect, indicating an ongoing process of increasing strictness. It describes how a specific set of rules, regulations, or standards are currently in the process of becoming more stringent, rigid, or severe.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is getting stricter" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe how rules, regulations, or standards are becoming more severe or rigid over time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying exactly what is becoming stricter to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "is becoming more stringent" or "is tightening up" can be used for variety while maintaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is becoming more severe

Indicates an increase in the harshness or intensity of something.

is becoming more regulated

Focuses on the increase in formal rules and oversight.

is facing escalating regulations

Focuses on the increase and intensification of rules and guidelines.

is becoming more enforced

Emphasizes the increased application of existing rules.

is becoming more controlled

Highlights the increasing degree of management or restriction.

is facing tightened controls

Highlights the application of stricter restrictions.

is trending toward rigidity

Suggests a movement towards inflexibility and strictness.

is becoming more intensely monitored

Focuses on the heightened surveillance or observation.

is being subjected to closer scrutiny

Emphasizes the increasing level of detailed examination.

is facing growing discipline

Highlights the application of stricter enforcement to maintain order.

FAQs

What does "is getting stricter" mean?

The phrase "is getting stricter" indicates that rules, regulations, laws, or standards are becoming more rigid, severe, or tightly enforced over time. It suggests a progression towards increased stringency.

How can I use "is getting stricter" in a sentence?

You can use "is getting stricter" to describe any situation where standards or rules are becoming more tightly enforced. For example: "The company's policy on remote work "is getting stricter", requiring more frequent check-ins".

What can I say instead of "is getting stricter"?

You can use alternatives like "is becoming more stringent", "is becoming more severe", or "is tightening up" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "are getting stricter" instead of "is getting stricter"?

Yes, "are getting stricter" is correct when referring to plural subjects (e.g., "The rules are getting stricter"). "Is getting stricter" is used for singular subjects (e.g., "The policy is getting stricter").