rapidly escalating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rapidly escalating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is increasing in intensity or severity at a fast pace. Example: "The conflict in the region is rapidly escalating, leading to concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mining skills are scarce, productivity stagnant and costs rapidly escalating.

The Economist

But that signing remained a question mark against a backdrop of rapidly escalating fighting.

The New York Times

The rapidly escalating sense of crisis could certainly hardly be clearer.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first plot revolves around a rapidly escalating gun crisis in the capital.

The Guardian

The computational problems that scientists face are rapidly escalating in size and scope.

Journal of Systems and Software

Mr. Greenfield added, "The industry needs a spine to fight rapidly escalating costs".

The New York Times

India is experiencing rapidly escalating epidemics of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Early Human Development

Seventeen were assigned to the rapidly escalating dose regimen and 15 to the other titration regimen.

European Neuropsychopharmacology

The cost of many staple resources, including oil, steel, and food, are rapidly escalating.

Harvard Business Review

This rapidly escalating sequence of harassment has been undercut by Morgan's ineptitude, but there's no doubt he's in big trouble.

The Guardian - Film

A new report on Tuesday said that the rapidly escalating insurgency had forced a million people to flee their homes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rapidly escalating" to describe situations where the speed of increase is a key factor, such as "rapidly escalating costs" or a "rapidly escalating crisis". This emphasizes the urgency and potential severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "rapidly escalating" in very informal or casual contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "quickly growing" or "rising fast" when speaking casually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rapidly escalating" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the manner in which something is increasing, emphasizing the speed and intensity of the escalation. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rapidly escalating" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes a swift and intensifying increase in something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's appropriate for describing situations where the pace of change is significant, often implying a sense of urgency or concern. While versatile, it’s best suited for neutral to professional contexts, such as news reporting, business analysis, and academic writing. When aiming for a more casual tone, alternatives like "quickly growing" or "rising fast" might be preferable. Knowing the nuances of this expression will empower you to communicate with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapidly increasing

A more straightforward synonym, focusing on the speed of increase.

quickly intensifying

Emphasizes speed and increasing intensity, swapping "escalating" for "intensifying".

swiftly increasing

Focuses on the rapid pace of the increase, replacing both "rapidly" and "escalating".

sharply rising

Emphasizes the steepness of the increase, suggesting a dramatic change.

accelerating sharply

Highlights the acceleration of the increase, offering a more dynamic image.

surging rapidly

Implies a sudden and powerful increase, ideal for describing trends or movements.

expanding exponentially

Highlights an extremely rapid increase, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

quickly growing

Replaces "escalating" with a more general term for increase, suitable for broader contexts.

mounting swiftly

Suggests a gradual accumulation that happens quickly, adding a sense of building pressure.

mushrooming quickly

Conveys a sense of rapid and uncontrolled growth, often used for negative situations.

FAQs

How can I use "rapidly escalating" in a sentence?

"Rapidly escalating" describes something increasing quickly in intensity or severity. For instance, "The costs are rapidly escalating" or "The conflict is rapidly escalating".

What are some alternatives to "rapidly escalating"?

You can use alternatives like "quickly intensifying", "swiftly increasing", or "accelerating sharply" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "rapidly escalating" in formal writing?

Yes, "rapidly escalating" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing situations where the speed of increase is significant. It is often used in news reports, academic papers, and business documents.

What's the difference between "rapidly escalating" and "gradually increasing"?

"Rapidly escalating" implies a fast and often alarming increase, while "gradually increasing" suggests a slower, more controlled rise. The choice depends on the actual pace of change you are describing.