progressively more severe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "progressively more severe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is worsening in intensity or seriousness over time. Example: "The patient's symptoms became progressively more severe, leading to a need for immediate medical intervention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The law requires all students to reach proficiency in reading and math by 2014, and singles out schools that fail to make sufficient progress toward that goal for progressively more severe penalties.

The New York Times

However, the lack of a unidirectional pattern of onset of tension-type headache and migraine among people who exhibited both subtypes over time suggests that tension-type headache and migraine do not represent progressively more severe manifestations of the same underlying continuum of severity.

British Medical Journal

Moreover, three poly I C challenges, each 2 weeks apart, showed that each successive challenge produced acute onset deficits that were progressively more severe and less reversible as the underlying disease progressed [ 32].

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

Schools receiving federal antipoverty money must show that more students each year are passing standardized tests or face expensive and progressively more severe consequences.

The New York Times

Scanning electron microscopy revealed that, at the highest stresses studied, surface cracking occurred, which became progressively more severe as the time of treatment increased.

Polymer

Further, the MVH valuation subsets are balanced with 2 or 3 states in progressively more "severe" categories (mild, moderate and severe states).

Health Economics Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Shock may be so severe as to impair organ function or create a state of blood flow deficiency that grows progressively more dangerous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The consequences of failure, meanwhile, grow progressively more serious.

The Guardian - Money

Taken together, these data suggest that as flies and humans age, events such as breakdown of the intestinal epithelial barrier progressively become more severe until they are sufficient to cause death.

eLife

As the disease worsens, e.g. Gold 2+, patients also experience progressively more frequent and severe exacerbations, which are due in greatest part to bacterial and viral chest infections, as well as pollutants [ 6– 8].

Clinical Science

Compared with the embryonic stage, the extracellular matrix and cell adhesion were progressively affected leading to more severe eye damages in adult mutants.

Human Molecular Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "progressively more severe" to describe conditions or situations that worsen over time, emphasizing the gradual increase in intensity. This phrase is particularly effective in formal and scientific writing where precision is important.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "progressively more severe" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "getting worse" or "increasingly bad" when speaking or writing informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "progressively more severe" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective. It describes the manner in which something becomes increasingly serious or intense over time. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

21%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "progressively more severe" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a gradual increase in the intensity or seriousness of a condition. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in scientific and news contexts, indicating its suitability for formal communication. When choosing related phrases, it's essential to consider the context and desired nuance. While effective, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing in severity

A more literal rewording that still keeps the meaning intact.

progressively deteriorating

Focuses specifically on the act of something worsening over time.

gradually worsening

This phrase emphasizes the gradual nature of the deterioration.

steadily worsening

Similar to gradually worsening, but emphasizes the consistent and unwavering nature of the decline.

steadily deteriorating

This alternative highlights the continuous decline in condition.

increasingly critical

This alternative suggests a growing level of importance or urgency, rather than severity.

becoming increasingly acute

Highlights the increasing sharpness or intensity of a condition or situation.

growing more critical

Implies that the matter is becoming increasingly crucial and in need of attention.

ever-intensifying

This suggests a growing intensity, focusing on the strength rather than the severity.

continually escalating

This indicates a rise in degree or extent, often used in the context of conflict or problems.

FAQs

How can I use "progressively more severe" in a sentence?

The phrase "progressively more severe" is used to describe something that worsens gradually over time. For example: "The symptoms became progressively more severe, requiring hospitalization."

What are some alternatives to "progressively more severe"?

You can use alternatives such as "increasingly critical", "gradually worsening", or "steadily deteriorating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "progressively more severe"?

This phrase is appropriate in formal contexts, especially in scientific or medical writing, to describe a gradual worsening of a condition or situation. It may sound overly formal in casual conversation.

Is "progressively severe" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "progressively severe" is less common and idiomatic than "progressively more severe". Adding "more" enhances the clarity and flow of the phrase.