is getting worse

USAGE SUMMARY

"is getting worse" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation or problem that is continuously deteriorating or becoming more severe over time. Example: The pollution in our city is getting worse every day, leading to health problems for its residents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Traffic is getting worse.

The Guardian - Tech

It is getting worse.

The Economist

"The conflict is getting worse.

The New York Times

And it is getting worse.

The New York Times

Indeed, it is getting worse.

The New Yorker

And nothing is getting worse.

The New Yorker

And everything is getting worse".

The New York Times

"The economy is getting worse.

The New York Times

Homelessness is getting worse.

The Guardian - Arts

Business is getting worse.

The New Yorker

And the debt problem is getting worse.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is getting worse" to clearly indicate a deteriorating situation or condition over time. Be specific about what is getting worse to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "is getting worse" as a standalone statement without specifying what is deteriorating. Always provide context to ensure the meaning is clear and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is getting worse" functions as a predicate within a sentence, describing the state or condition of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. It indicates a deteriorating or declining state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is getting worse" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a deteriorating state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in "News & Media", to convey a sense of decline or worsening conditions. While suitable for neutral contexts, it's crucial to provide specific context to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "is deteriorating" or "is declining" can be used for variety, but the key is to maintain specificity and avoid ambiguity. This ensures effective communication of the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is worsening

Uses the verb form of the adjective 'worse', providing a direct synonym.

is deteriorating

Uses a different verb to indicate a worsening state.

is declining

Employs a different verb suggesting a downward trend.

is on the decline

Rephrases the concept using "on the decline" to emphasize the downward trajectory.

is going downhill

An idiomatic expression indicating a rapid decline.

is taking a turn for the worse

Indicates a specific point at which something starts to decline.

is spiraling downward

Suggests a continuous and accelerating decline.

is falling apart

Implies a breakdown or disintegration.

is becoming more serious

Shifts the focus to the increasing severity of a situation.

is escalating

Highlights the increasing intensity of a problem or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "is getting worse" to describe a situation that's deteriorating over time. For example, "The traffic in the city "is getting worse" due to increased construction".

What are some alternatives to "is getting worse"?

Alternatives include "is deteriorating", "is declining", or "is worsening", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is getting more worse"?

No, "is getting more worse" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""is getting worse"" because "worse" is already the comparative form of "bad".

When is it appropriate to use "is getting worse" instead of "is bad"?

"Is getting worse" is used to describe a change over time, indicating a decline. "Is bad" simply describes a current state without implying a change or progression.