keeps getting worse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps getting worse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is continuously deteriorating or becoming more negative over time. Example: "The weather forecast indicates that the storm keeps getting worse, and we should prepare for possible flooding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It keeps getting worse.

The Guardian - Arts

"But it keeps getting worse".

The New York Times

The fanaticism keeps getting worse.

The Guardian - Opinion

The homelessness situation keeps getting worse.

The Guardian

"It just keeps getting worse," she said.

The New York Times

But the employment situation keeps getting worse.

The New York Times

Manchester City's January just keeps getting worse.

The Guardian - Sport

James Magnussen's week just keeps getting worse.

The Guardian - Sport

17 May The situation keeps getting worse.

The Guardian

3. Juan Agudelo keeps getting worse and worse.

The New York Times

Ibrahim's story keeps getting worse before it gets better.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps getting worse" to describe situations where the negative progression is consistent and noticeable. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but ensure the tone aligns with your writing style.

Common error

While "keeps getting worse" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "is progressively deteriorating" or "is steadily declining" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps getting worse" functions as a compound verb phrase expressing a continuous and progressive deterioration. Ludwig examples show its usage across varied subjects describing negative trends. It is an effective way to illustrate an ongoing decline.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeps getting worse" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a continuously deteriorating situation. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, and many examples from News & Media highlight its frequent use in describing negative trends. While suitable for general use, it's beneficial to consider more formal alternatives like "progressively worsening" in academic or professional settings. Remember to use it to emphasize ongoing decline and adjust your tone according to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is continuously deteriorating

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the decline.

is steadily declining

Highlights the consistent downward trend.

is progressively worsening

Focuses on the gradual increase in severity.

is going from bad to worse

Expresses a clear transition to a more negative state.

is spiraling downward

Suggests a rapid and uncontrolled decline.

is on a downward trajectory

Implies a projected continuation of the decline.

is taking a turn for the worse

Indicates a sudden and negative change in condition.

is sliding downhill

Presents a casual and visual description of decline.

is deteriorating further

Highlights the continuation of an already poor condition.

is seeing continued decline

Focuses on the ongoing and uninterrupted nature of the deterioration.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeps getting worse" to describe a situation that is continuously deteriorating. For example, "The economic situation "keeps getting worse", leading to increased unemployment."

What are some alternatives to saying "keeps getting worse"?

Alternatives include "progressively worsening", "steadily declining", or "going from bad to worse". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "keeps getting worse" in formal writing?

While acceptable, it may be better to use more formal alternatives like "is progressively deteriorating" or "is steadily declining" in formal or academic contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "keeps getting worse" and "is deteriorating"?

"Keeps getting worse" implies a continuous and ongoing decline, while "is deteriorating" simply indicates that something is in the process of becoming worse. The former emphasizes the persistent nature of the decline.