problem is escalating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problem is escalating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an issue is becoming more serious or intense over time. Example: "The problem is escalating, and we need to address it before it gets out of hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"We have been working on access to medicines for decades now and the problem is escalating, not getting better.

The Guardian

This medical problem is escalating and there is an urgent need for the development of new classes of drugs.

Trends in Microbiology

Illegal camps have existed in the port since France closed the Sangatte immigration centre in 2002, though the problem is escalating.

BBC

The extract, reported on the BBC and in many of the papers, included the claim that, when it comes to online crime, "the problem is escalating by the day".

BBC

Furthermore, according to TerraChoice vice president Scot Case, the problem is escalating.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As people across America have seen and experienced in recent years, climate-related problems are escalating in the U.S., too.

Huffington Post

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

The New York Times

The problem of parameter variability in RF and analog circuits is escalating with CMOS scaling.

Integration, the VLSI Journal

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

The New York Times

"Need is escalating.

The Guardian

The Soviet government was cracking down on the alcohol problem that was escalating.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "problem is escalating", ensure you provide context about the specific problem and the factors contributing to its escalation. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "problem is escalating" without specifying what constitutes the 'problem' and without contextual details. Such vague usage can weaken your statement and leave the reader confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problem is escalating" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a situation as worsening. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts to denote an increasing severity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "problem is escalating" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a situation that is worsening. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. With occurrences primarily in news and media, scientific articles, and formal business contexts, this phrase serves to highlight growing concerns about various issues. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific context to avoid vagueness and maximize clarity. Alternatives such as "problem is worsening" or "situation is deteriorating" can be used for similar effect. While generally suitable for various registers, consider your audience and provide substantiating evidence for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

problem is worsening

Emphasizes a deterioration in the problem's state.

problem is increasing

Focuses on the rise in the problem's magnitude.

situation is deteriorating

Shifts focus to the overall circumstances declining.

issue is intensifying

Highlights the growing strength or force of the issue.

problem is accelerating

Emphasizes the increasing speed of the problem's development.

crisis is mounting

Suggests a growing sense of urgency and potential danger.

condition is deteriorating

Focuses on the declining state of a specific condition.

challenges are growing

Emphasizes the rise in the complexity and difficulty of challenges.

trouble is brewing

Implies an impending escalation of problems.

matter is getting out of hand

Indicates a loss of control over the situation.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "problem is escalating"?

It means that a particular issue or situation is becoming more serious, intense, or widespread over time. The phrase suggests that the problem is not only continuing but also growing in severity.

What can I say instead of "problem is escalating"?

You can use alternatives like "problem is worsening", "problem is increasing", or "situation is deteriorating" depending on the context.

How to use "problem is escalating" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe situations where an issue is becoming more severe. For example, "The drug agency concludes that the "problem is likely to escalate", chiefly because of how profitable it is to cut and resell the highly potent opioid."

Is "problem is escalating" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "problem is escalating" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the overall tone and register of the communication. In more formal settings like academic papers or business reports, it's crucial to provide specific evidence and data to support the claim that a problem is escalating.