rivalry is escalating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rivalry is escalating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where competition or conflict between two parties is intensifying or becoming more severe. Example: "The rivalry is escalating, leading to increased tensions between the two teams as they prepare for the championship game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

"Need is escalating.

The Guardian

"Each side is escalating," Mr. Giragosian said.

The New York Times

The problem is escalating.

Forbes

"His behaviour was escalating".

The Guardian

I am escalating needlessly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Yes, we are escalating.

The Guardian

Attacks on American troops are escalating.

The Economist

"But these last couple of months it's just been escalating and escalating and escalating.

The New York Times

The racial rhetoric was escalating.

Wikipedia

Mathilde was escalating.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "escalating". It often implies a negative or concerning development. Choose alternative phrases like "competition is intensifying" if a neutral tone is preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "rivalry is escalating" when describing healthy competition or situations where increased activity is not necessarily negative. In such cases, opt for phrases like "competition is growing" or "interest is increasing" to maintain a positive or neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rivalry is escalating" functions as a descriptive statement, typically used to depict an increasing state of tension or competition between two or more parties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, aligning with general English usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rivalry is escalating" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the increasing intensity of competition or conflict. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is both correct and usable in written English. While examples of its direct use are scarce, it appears most frequently in news and media, Wiki and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, consider the potential negative connotations of "escalating" and choose alternative phrases like "competition is intensifying" if a more neutral tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competition is intensifying

Focuses on the competitive aspect rather than the adversarial.

conflict is intensifying

Highlights the adversarial nature, potentially implying a more negative connotation.

tensions are rising

Emphasizes the increasing strain or unease in the relationship.

the stakes are getting higher

Highlights the increasing importance or potential consequences.

the feud is worsening

Specifically refers to a long-standing and bitter conflict.

the battle is heating up

Uses a more informal and metaphorical description of increasing conflict.

the situation is deteriorating

Focuses on the decline in the relationship or circumstances.

hostilities are increasing

Emphasizes the active and often aggressive nature of the conflict.

the struggle is becoming more intense

Highlights the increasing effort and determination involved in the rivalry.

the contest is growing fiercer

Emphasizes the increasing intensity and competitiveness of the rivalry.

FAQs

How can I use "rivalry is escalating" in a sentence?

You can use "rivalry is escalating" to describe a situation where competition or conflict between two parties is becoming more intense. For example, "The "rivalry is escalating" between the two companies as they compete for market share".

What's a more neutral alternative to "rivalry is escalating"?

If you want to avoid the potentially negative connotation of "escalating", you can use alternatives like "competition is intensifying" or "tensions are rising", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative when you say a rivalry is escalating?

While "escalating" often implies a negative development, it's not always the case. It depends on the context and whether the escalation leads to harmful consequences. However, consider using a different phrase to avoid negative implications. It is often better to replace with a more neutral description such as "competition is growing".

What's the difference between saying "rivalry is escalating" and "conflict is intensifying"?

While both phrases indicate increasing tension, ""rivalry is escalating"" emphasizes the competitive aspect, while "conflict is intensifying" highlights the adversarial nature and potential for negative outcomes. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific situation.