rapid intensification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rapid intensification" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in meteorology to describe a quick increase in the strength of a storm or hurricane. Example: "The hurricane underwent rapid intensification, reaching Category 4 status within hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rapid intensification.

The Washington Post

It quickly garnered energy, undergoing rapid intensification Sunday.

The Washington Post

Hotter ocean temperatures also cause more rapid intensification of hurricanes, and the most intense storms are those that undergo rapid intensification.

The Guardian

Then the rapid intensification kicked in and another 20 inches fell in some areas.

The Washington Post

That's a big problem, because rapid intensification sets the stage for worst-case scenarios.

The Washington Post

This process of "rapid intensification" — extremely dangerous near a coastline — is something we keep seeing lately.

The Washington Post

How do climatologists account for the unusually rapid intensification of Harvey ahead of landfall?

The Guardian

It said this must be countered with rapid intensification of routine immunisations.

Independent

But DeMaria said that this season is seeing more rapid intensification events than usual and that Maria, in particular, appears to have set a key record for hurricane rapid intensification in the Atlantic.

The Washington Post

And the study found that 79percentt of the latter storms, the strong ones, undergo rapid intensification.

The Washington Post

Fortunately, it appears that Harvey's slow speed of movement is muting its potential for greater rapid intensification, Emanuel noted.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing meteorological events, use "rapid intensification" to convey a sense of urgency and potential danger. It's a concise way to communicate that a storm is quickly becoming more powerful.

Common error

While "rapid intensification" is technically correct, it can sound overly formal or technical in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "quick increase" or "sudden surge" when communicating with a general audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rapid intensification" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes a meteorological phenomenon, specifically a swift increase in a storm's intensity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rapid intensification" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, predominantly in meteorological contexts, to describe a swift and significant increase in the strength of a storm. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is appropriate and well-established. While alternative phrases exist, such as "fast escalation" or "swift strengthening", "rapid intensification" is the standard and most direct way to express this specific phenomenon. It's crucial to use this term accurately, especially when communicating the potential hazards associated with rapidly developing weather events. Ludwig's examples show its application across news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, underscoring its broad relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fast escalation

Focuses on the speed of the increase in intensity.

swift strengthening

Emphasizes the quick gain in strength.

sudden surge

Highlights the abruptness of the intensification.

abrupt increase

Focuses on the sudden rise in a specific measure.

accelerated growth

Emphasizes the rapid pace of development.

quick escalation

Highlights a fast increase to a higher level.

sharp upturn

Suggests a dramatic and sudden positive change.

exponential rise

Implies a very rapid increase where the rate of increase itself is increasing.

marked amplification

Suggests significant growth and magnification of something.

steep climb

Suggests a fast and significant increase, often in a visual or metaphorical sense.

FAQs

How is "rapid intensification" used in meteorology?

In meteorology, "rapid intensification" refers to a situation where a tropical cyclone intensifies dramatically over a short period, typically defined as an increase of at least 35 mph in maximum sustained winds within 24 hours.

What causes "rapid intensification" in hurricanes?

Factors contributing to "rapid intensification" include warm sea surface temperatures, low wind shear, and favorable atmospheric conditions. These elements allow the storm to strengthen quickly.

Are there other phrases I can use instead of "rapid intensification"?

You can use alternatives like "fast escalation", "swift strengthening", or "sudden surge" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What role does climate change play in the "rapid intensification" of storms?

Climate change, particularly rising ocean temperatures, can contribute to conditions that favor "rapid intensification". Warmer waters provide more energy for storms to intensify quickly.