it gets worse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it gets worse" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a situation that is deteriorating or becoming more negative. For example, "I thought the situation was bad, but then I found out it gets worse." Alternative expressions include "it deteriorates" and "it escalates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But it gets worse.

Cornell University

It gets worse.

Stanford University

And it gets worse.

The New York Times

Wait, it gets worse.

The New York Times

But wait: it gets worse.

The New York Times - Books

"It gets worse," Terri said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

But it got worse.

University of California, Berkeley

It got worse, gradually.

The New Yorker

So it got worse".

The New Yorker

Can it get worse?

The New York Times

Then it got worse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it gets worse", ensure that the subsequent information provides specific details or examples that justify the claim. Avoid vague or unsupported statements.

Common error

Avoid using "it gets worse" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact and become repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms such as "it deteriorates" or "the situation declines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it gets worse" functions as an evaluative statement within a narrative or explanation. Ludwig confirms that it serves to highlight a negative progression or a deterioration in a situation. It is used to draw the listener's or reader's attention to the fact that matters are not improving but, on the contrary, are declining.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

21%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it gets worse" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the deterioration of a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, media and academic contexts. The phrase functions as an evaluative statement, signaling a negative progression and creating anticipation. While "it gets worse" is generally neutral in tone, consider using more formal alternatives like "it deteriorates further" in certain professional settings. To avoid repetition, synonyms such as "things go downhill" or "it goes from bad to worse" can be used to create diversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it goes from bad to worse

Offers a direct and emphatic way to express increasing negativity.

it takes a turn for the worse

Indicates a sudden and unexpected decline in circumstances.

the predicament worsens

Uses a more dramatic term, "predicament", to highlight the seriousness of the situation.

it deteriorates further

Replaces "gets worse" with a more formal term, emphasizing a gradual decline.

the trouble escalates

Highlights an increase in the severity or intensity of the problem.

the situation declines

Offers a slightly more detached and objective perspective on the worsening circumstances.

matters decline

Presents a formal way to describe a degradation in condition.

things go downhill

Employs a common idiom to describe a rapid decline or deterioration.

the problem amplifies

Conveys that the problem is not only deteriorating, but also expanding in impact.

the outlook darkens

Shifts the focus to the future, suggesting a bleak or pessimistic forecast.

FAQs

How can I use "it gets worse" in a sentence?

Use "it gets worse" to indicate that a situation is deteriorating or becoming more negative. For example: "I thought the project was behind schedule, but "it gets worse": we're also over budget."

What are some alternatives to "it gets worse"?

You can use alternatives like "it takes a turn for the worse", "things go downhill", or "it goes from bad to worse" depending on the context.

Is "it gets worse" suitable for formal writing?

While "it gets worse" is grammatically correct, it may be considered informal for some formal contexts. In those cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "it deteriorates further" or "the situation declines".

What's the difference between "it gets worse" and "it got worse"?

"It gets worse" implies that the situation is currently deteriorating or has the potential to worsen. "It got worse" indicates that the situation has already deteriorated in the past.